As far as Jaguar's model range goes, the XE probably ranks as one of the more underrated machines on offer.
The F-Pace enjoys a glowing reputation for being one of the best SUVs to drive in the world, the F-Type is ranked as one of the most beautiful and best sounding coupes money can buy, and then there's the XF — the XE's big brother.
It's a great car, but perhaps gets a little lost in Jaguar's line-up. But, that might not be the truth for much longer.
Photo / Jaguar
The XE is the platform with which Jaguar have created what they refer to as their “most powerful road legal Jaguar in history.” Big words considering that these are the guys that built the XJ220 supercar ...
The car is called the XE SV Project 8 — following in the footsteps of Jaguar and their SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) tuning arm's F-Type Project 7 road rocket. Jaguar have teased the machine with a video and images depicting it coated in camouflage, ahead of its formal launch of June 28.
Like the 7, the Project 8 is incredibly rapid. Power is sourced from a 441kW supercharged 5.0-litre V8, and big bulky guards conceal a wider track than standard. Also, like the 7, the Project 8 will be a highly limited machine. Production of the rapid four-door is capped at just 300, which is sure to make it a highly collectible vehicle.
Photo / Jaguar
What might further help its cause in that regard is the potential for Nürburgring glory ... The video that Jaguar have used to launch the car depicts it larking about on the German circuit's treacherous surface.
Alfa Romeo recently stole the top spot as 'fastest four-door production car' around the Nürburgring with their Giulia Quadrifoglio, thanks to a lightning 7min 32sec. That might well be under threat...