Yannis

Jaguar plans AMG performance rival

Standard XK goes on sale in March
• XK first to have performance badge
• 400bhp 4.2-litre V8 unit kicks off range
• No name yet, but expect it for all Jags

Jaguar is planning to launch its own performance brand to rival Mercedes' AMG, BMW's M Sport and Audi's RS ranges.

It is likely to be seen for the first time in the new XK coupe and convertible, which goes on sale in March with a 300bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine.

By the end of 2006, a 400bhp supercharged version of the same engine will become available in the XKR, but company insiders are hinting that this won't be the end of the power race.

They will not say what the more powerful engine is likely to be or how much power it is likely to turn out, but they are adamant that they can turn the new XK into an out-and-out sports car to be a serious rival for the Porsche 911.

No name has been chosen for the Jaguar performance brand, and no date set for its introduction, but it will eventually spread across the whole Jaguar range.


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Merc1

They're going to need more than 400hp to get with AMG, Motorsport or RS cars from the Germans. The new SL500 (550) will have 388hp in a few months. The SL55 goes up to 517hp.

M

The Artist

Good luck jaguar

shonguiz

Waouw what a courage ! they Focus directly at Porsche, what a joke.

notic

400 isn't a lot, but it might be better than it sounds if the XK is aluminum like the XJ....anyone know if its aluminum?

zetableh

I dunno if they'll need more. The Merc is more of a straight line bullet than an all around uber-sports covertible, and plus, the Jag has that great all aluminum chassis and body panels. With less weight and a properly tuned suspension, I think that the Jag could be a contender. I can't wait to see a comparison: M6, SL55, uber-XK, and 911. Maybe even the new Aston V8. Man, to have the money to make THAT choice.

ZicZachZo

Yea the XK is alumminium like the XJ. Based on the same platform I believe?

Merc1

Yeah they'll be a contender but I don't think Jaguar is as serious about this as Mercedes or BMW. BMW will still trump them in the handling department and Mercedes will continue to outpower all of them. Jaguar I think will likely be eye-eye with Audi's "S" models rather than their RS or BMW/MB's M/AMG models.

M

Centurion

Giving the car more than 400 hp would give it performance close to the DB9 which would be a disaster.

Andaluz

No wonder Jaguar is going down the hill.

400 Bhp?! Come on...the Germans are way ahead of this!

If they really want to go after AMG, M Power and RS, it's better they come up with a nice 500 Bhp.

Even the normal Jaguar XK is already an underpowered car, with only 300 Bhp from a 4.2 V8 DOHC 32V. Lexus can pull that horsepower output, from a high-revving 3.5 V6 DOHC 24V!

Curb Zone