Mid-engined Jaguar flagship on the way

Big Cat reveals shock plans for a stunning rival to Audi's R8 – and Auto Express has the low-down!

Auto Express has learnt that Jaguar is working on an all-new, mid-engined coupe which is set to make its public debut in just 12 months time.

Aimed at the likes of the Audi R8, the top-secret machine has apparently beaten the long awaited F-Type in the race to be the first new sportscar launched by the company since its acquisition by Indian conglomerate, Tata. It revives plans for a flagship sports car, which were first revealead way back in 2001 with the R-Coupe (pictured).

Based on the current XK, the newcomer will also be the first mid-engined model from the Coventry car builder since the XJ220…launched 18 years ago in 1991.

Tipped to be called the XE, it will first appear as a concept, possibly at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. Set to combine a dramatic silouhette with an imposing nose, the model is expected to be the most forward looking model the firm has yet produced.

Under the bonnet, the car is likely to use a tuned version of the XF-R's 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. Jaguar’s managing director Mike O’Driscoll said: “XK is the car that began a revolution for us, but it’s not the end of the story. I firmly believe the best car we could build to compliment this is a flagship coupé.”

For the full story, make sure you buy next week's issue of Auto Express, out January 21st.