New Jaguar XJR (2010 / 2011) planned?

A range-topping Jaguar XJR / Supersports R is an enticing prospect.

Are Jaguar planning on building a range-topping, barn-storming XJR / XJ Supersport R version of the new 2010 / 2011 XJ?

Maybe. But only maybe. But it does make sense. After all, the other models in the Jaguar range – the XF and the XK – both sport an ‘R’ model, so why wouldn’t the new XJ?

Jaguar would argue that they are already going to produce an ‘R’ model XJ in all but name in the guise of the XJ Supersport. That will (when it arrives a few months after the rest of the XJ range) sport the same engine that powers both the XFR and XKR to some very impressive performance feats. Which officially rules out an ‘R’ for the new XJ.

But the new XJ looks as if it will be a runaway success for Jaguar. It is really the only car in its sector which doesn’t follow the herd. That could be perceived as a weakness in a bland and corporate world, but we’re certain it’s going to be its strength. There is little to choose between a BMW 7 Series, a Mercedes S Class, a Lexus LS and even the new 2011 Audi A8 (which far from looking fresh just looks like a supersized A4 to us). But the Jaguar XJ has dared to be different and that will be its making. As will it’s superb driving dynamics if it comes even close to matching up to the XF.

So how are Jaguar going to be able to resist a ‘Super-Halo’ model if the new XJ takes off the way it seems it will, even in these troubled times? We already know that Jaguar can easily get up to 600bhp out of their 5.0 litre engine if they try a little (the XFR broke the Jaguar landspeed record at Bonneville earlier this year with a slightly tweaked 5.0 litre lump). Who could resist a new XJ with some added lashings of carbon fibre and 600bhp? Perhaps somewhere in the 4.0 second to 60mph range. Top speed nudging 200mph. Probably around £120k. That’d show the Germans.

New Jaguar XJR. Wishful thinking? Maybe.