Jaguar is said to be 'seriously considering' the introduction of a diesel ...

Jaguar is said to be 'seriously considering' the introduction of a diesel version of the XK model. The new car could be introduced as early as 2009 when the first facelift of the XK and XKR (which has previously been spied testing above) is to be released along with the introduction of the 5.0 V8 engine.

Whilst this may shock some Jaguar traditionalists, European dealers and customers have been calling for such a model since the XK was launched, and the existence of market demand has now been proven by the 6 series BMW, who's 635D has become the strongest seller in the 6 series range. With fuel prices continuing to soar, it appears economy is becoming more important, even in the sports car category.

What is less clear is exactly what capacity this new diesel engine would be, as the current 2.7 TDV6 engine has already been tested in the XK by Jaguar engineers, and is not thought to have enough power to imbue the car with sufficient performance to match the sports car expectations delivered by the styling.

Other choices are the 3.6 TDV8 engine currently employed by the Range Rover although this raises issues as to whether the unit would be too heavy, or would fit, as this has been the limiting factor stopping the 3.6 from having already being installed in the current XJ.

The most likely possibility is the forthcoming 3.0 TDV6 motor, an expansion of the smooth but underpowered 2.7, which could be available in 2 forms - a standard twin turbo from for the XF and XJ saloons, and a more powerful variant with the fitment of either larger twin turbos or sequential turbos, which are used to tremendous effect in the BMW 635D.

This model could help reinforce sales of the XK which have started to lag in both the US and Europe since tightening credit conditions have restricted car sales, and as long as Jaguar are able to provide the Diesel XK with the necessary performance and a suitable exhaust note, they could have a massive hit on their hands.

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