Jaguar’s most powerful engine at the moment is the supercharged version of the Gen III AJ-series 5.0L V8, which develops a peak output of 510hp (380kW) and 461lb-ft (625Nm) of torque and currently resides in cars like the XFR and XKR. This engine is also destined to appear in the next-generation Jaguar XJ, scheduled to be unveiled next month, however it won’t be the flagship engine for the new XJ range.

According to AutoWeek, the XJ fitted with the supercharged 5.0L V8 will be badged the ‘SV8’. This will leave space for an eventual ‘XJR’ with an even more powerful engine as the new range-topping model for Jaguar.

While there aren’t any details of what Jaguar has in store for the XJR, we do know the company is developing advanced plug-in hybrid technology although this is unlikely to be used for a performance model. The XJR could simply feature the supercharged 5.0L V8 with more boost dialed up.

The new 2011 XJ is set to go on sale early next year and will feature both short and long-wheelbase variants. In the U.S., the range will kick off with a 250hp (186kW) 3.5L V8, and will be followed by a 5.0L naturally aspirated version with 385hp (287kW). Topping the range until the arrival of the XJR will be the aforementioned SV8 with 510hp (380kW) on tap.

Spy shots: 2011 Jaguar XJ
2011 Jaguar XJ

2011 Jaguar XJ Ian Callum interview