Jaguar XKR-S and XF at extremes

They are Australia’s first showing of the XF 2.2-litre diesel (below) – rated at 5.4L/100km and priced at about $80,000 – and the 405kW XKR-S (above) that will cost about $340,000.

Jaguar says the XF 2.2 – which uses the same basic engine as the Land Rover Freelander 2 and Evoque – and XKR-S will go on sale before the end of the year. The final price and specification of the baby diesel will be revealed closer to its on-sale date, but will need to rival comparative models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

The engine develops 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, yet is capable of 5.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. The 2.2’s fuel efficiency is pared back thanks partly to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. By comparison, the current XF 3.0-litre diesel has a 177kW/500Nm engine rated at 6.8L/100km and 179g/km CO2.

The XKR-S is Jaguar’s most potent series production car yet. It features an uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension – including a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system that allows less electronic intervention –and a new aerodynamic design. The XKR-S produces 405kW and 680Nm of torque, enough power to offer a top speed of 300km/h and a 0-100km/h time of just 4.4 seconds.

Jaguar claims the XKR-S is not just the quickest Jaguar but has a strong, lightweight aluminium body architecture to maximise handling and economy. In addition, Jaguar says the XKR-S is the only car in its class that emits less than 300g/km CO2.

Jaguar will also display limited edition models of the XF 3.0-litre diesel – with a boost to 600Nm from 500Nm – and XKR, expected to go on sale in late October.