Even the makers of luxury saloons and sports cars are having to adapt their lineups to meet toughening fuel economy and emissions standards all around the world. Porsche recently bowed down to all the environmental pressure with the unveiling of the Cayenne Diesel late last year and now Jaguar is reported to be travelling a similar path by planning a diesel version of its XK Coupe.

Joining the facelifted XKR in showrooms later this year will be updated versions of the XK Coupe and Convertible. According to WhatCar?, the 2010 model year XK Coupe, in particular, will be fitted with Jaguar’s new AJ-V6D Gen III S twin-turbocharged performance diesel.

The 3.0L V6 engine recently debuted in the XF Diesel S and is rated at an impressive (for a diesel) 271hp (202kW) and 443lb-ft (600Nm). It is capable of sending the XF saloon from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds so in the lighter XK Coupe performance should be even better. Fuel economy in the XK Coupe should also be better than that of the XF so expect to see numbers improved on the saloon’s 34.5mpg (6.8L/100km).

A six-speed automatic will likely be standard and only the XK Coupe is expected to feature the new diesel mill.