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Jaguar XE SVR to challenge M3, C63 with supercharged V8 power

Jaguar has a healthy powertrain range lined up for its new XE, including an array of four-cylinder engines and a supercharged 3.0-liter six that will, for now, serve as the range-topping offering in the XE S. But Car and Driver claims to have it on good authority that an even more powerful eight-cylinder version is in the works, as well. According to C/D, the XE's engine bay has been designed to accommodate the company's ubiquitous 5.0-liter V8 engine, which in the larger XF is offered in several states of tune, including the XF Supercharged with 470 horsepower, the XFR with 510 hp and the flagship XFR-S with 550 hp. Just which version (or versions) would be offered in the XE remains to be seen, but even in its lowest-spec supercharged form, the 470-hp version would already be enough to challenge the 425-hp BMW M3 and the base 469-hp version of the new Mercedes-AMG C63. If Jaguar wants to take on the C63 S, however, it will need to shoehorn in one of the more powerful versions. In the end, Coventry's new Special Vehicle Operations division may opt to offer two versions, like it does with the XFR and XFR-S. Expect the top version, however much muscle it packs, to wear the British automaker's new SVR badge. It just may take a few years before it does so.

Jaguar offering I-Pace Nurburgring hot laps for $164

Jaguar is adding the I-Pace electric crossover as an option for its Nurburgring "taxi rides." After launching the I-Pace eTrophy one-make racing series, Jaguar wants to spread the sporting love and offer prospective customers the chance to experience The Green Hell in a battery-powered environment. In 2018, Jaguar introduced the XE SV Project 8 race taxi service. As the car Jaguar used to break the four-door sedan lap record (twice), it offers an extreme experience with all sorts of grunt and aural engagement. With the I-Pace, Jaguar offers an alternative, less intense, but still fun choice. The I-Pace, with its 90 kWh lithium-ion battery, makes 395 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar claims it can do zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The electric crossover will do a 12.9-mile (20.8 kilometers) lap with 73 corners. The customer will ride with a "professional, experienced racer," though Jaguar does not specify names. Passengers must be at least 18 years old, must weigh less than 265 pounds, and cannot be taller than 6 1/2 feet.  While a single lap in the Project 8 costs $278, including taxes, a single lap in the I-Pace is significantly less at $164. It's worth noting, however, a ride in the I-Pace might include two other passengers (three max), while the ride in the Project 8 only allows for one passenger. Booking is open now.

Jaguar announces continuation run of 1953 C-Type race cars

Jaguar is adding the 1953 C-Type race car to its Jaguar Classic "Continuation" line of historic cars. These factory-built cars are crafted to the same specifications as their inspirations, making them some of the most accurate replicas of any classics available to the public.  For the C-Type, Jaguar turned to the 1953 Le Mans-winning works car, which was powered by a 3.4-liter, 220-horsepower straight-six sporting three Weber carbs. Unlike the road cars, the racers wore disc brakes at all four corners, which is good news for anybody who is purchasing one of these to drive.  "Driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, the C-Type laid the foundations for Jaguar’s success in endurance racing and is synonymous with design and engineering innovation," said Dan Pink, director of Jaguar Classic. "Seventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilize the latest innovations in manufacturing technology – alongside traditional skills and unrivaled expertise – to reintroduce this legendary car for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy." While a new generation of enthusiasts may get the opportunity to drool over a factory-fresh C-Type for the first time, these continuation cars won't exactly be flying off the assembly lines. In fact, the production pace won't come anywhere close to that of the original. Jaguar plans to build just eight examples to be delivered prior to a motorsports-themed celebration event for those lucky customers. (Just 53 were built in the original 1950s production run, of which 43 were sold to private owners.) If they're so inclined, owners of the new C-Types will be able to race their cars in sanctioned vintage series. FIA-approved harness mounts can even be included from the factory. Despite that nod to convention, Jaguar's key motivation with the C-Type revival is staying true to the originals. "Building on the experience gained with previous Jaguar Classic Continuation programs for Lightweight E-Type, XKSS and D-Type, Jaguar Classic engineers consulted the Jaguar archives and cross-referenced scan data taken from an original C-Type in conjunction with the latest computer aided design (CAD) technology, to create the most authentic new C-Type possible," Jaguar said in its announcement. Jaguar is even throwing a bone to those of us who will only be able to admire these beauties from afar. As of Wednesday, a configurator tool for the new C-Type Continuation is available on Jaguar's website.