Jaguar plotting XE, XF and F-PACE SVRs

So Jaguar has launched its new XF large sedan to go with the all-new XE mid-size sedan released in November, with a 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6-powered 'S' model topping both model ranges.

Yes, Jaguar performance fans waiting for more powerful V8 versions will have to wait a while longer, with R and SVR variants expected to follow.

As evidenced by Jaguar's first SVR model, the F-TYPE SVR due on sale here by the end of the year, SVR models from Jaguar's new SVO performance division will replace models previously wearing R-S badges.

So expect to R and SVR versions of the XE, XF and XJ sedans and, if we read comments by Jaguar Land Rover Australia managing director Matthew Wiesner correctly, SUVs including the upcoming F-PACE mid-sizer and E-PACE city-crossover.

"There is a lot more potential for additional models from SVO," said Wiesner at last week's local XF launch.

"The role of SVO will expand over the next five years, not just with performance models but added value models, heritage models and performance parts.

"SVO is looking at everything and we [JLR Australia] will look at every product available to us in the range."

Wiesner said there were "great growth opportunities" for the XE, XF and F-PACE, and "good potential" for SVR versions of all three models "depending on the business case".

"The [Jaguar performance] range won't shrink," said Wiesner, pointing to the expansion of Land Rover's line-up with SVO's inaugural full-time production model, the Range Rover Sport SVR.

Jaguar has long offered R versions of its XJ limousine and the previous XF, with the XJR and XFR both powered by a 404kW/680Nm supercharged 5.0-litre V8 – the same engine seen in the F-TYPE R.

The F-TYPE SVR will up the ante with a 423kW/700Nm V8, which combined with all-wheel drive and less weight will propel it to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 200mph (322km/h).

A 360kW version of Jaguar's blown V8 has long been considered the most likely candidate to power the XE R , with the 400kW V8 reserved for the XE SVR to battle BMW's M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C 63.

Give then the F-PACE rides on the same platform as the XE, it's logical to assume the same V8s will power R and SVR versions of Jaguar's first SUV, which will launch here in August with a similar engine line-up to the XE and XF.

However, there's an expectation Jaguar will build a two-door version of the XE to produce a mid-size coupe to rival the BMW M4 and Audi RS 5, which could jump the sedan in the queue for SVR treatment.

"SVO has a degree of autonomy, but the development budget is not unlimited," noted Wiesner.

Furthermore, while SVO's 423kW V8 appears the ideal candidate for the new XFR, there are doubts Jaguar will produce an XF SVR (or indeed an XJ SVR) to replace the old XFR-S, which would need to be competitive with the most powerful E-Class and 5 Series.

The current M5's twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 already delivers 412kW, while AMG's existing E 63 S runs a 430kW 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. The next-generation E 63 and M5 – both due within a couple of years – are almost certain to push beyond the 450kW mark.

Further confusing matters is the fact Jaguar is also working on an all-new straight-six engine based on the company's new turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium modular engine family, which incorporates 500cc per cylinder and is also compatible with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology.

Expected to be turbocharged and displace three litres, Jaguar's born-again inline six could eventually be followed by a new 4.0-litre V8 and even a 6.0-litre V12, opening a whole new world of performance possibilities for the British brand.