2016 Jaguar XE To Share F-Type’s V-6 Engines

Jaguar has previously confirmed that its upcoming XE small sedan will be the first model based on its iQ[Al] modular aluminum platform, and that it will also be the first model to be powered by the automaker’s new Ingenium family of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines.

Now Jaguar has confirmed that the XE will also offer the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine fitted to the F-Type sports car. The automaker previously stated that the iQ[Al] was designed to accommodate the V-6, so the confirmation isn’t much of a surprise.

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For the engine, a 10.5:1 compression ratio is enhanced by a Roots-type twin-vortex supercharger mounted between the cylinder banks. Jaguar says it chose the supercharger over a turbo for increased response and reduced pumping losses.

In the F-Type sports car, the engine has ratings of 340 and 380 horsepower, depending on trim, and we suspect these will be the same offered in the XE. However, if Jaguar is serious about competing with the likes of the M3 and C63 AMG, it is going to need more than 400 horsepower. The automaker has said it’s moving away from V-8 engines, so perhaps we’ll see more powerful versions of the supercharged V-6 in the future.

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Rear-wheel drive will come standard on the XE, though customers will be able to opt for all-wheel drive. The standard transmission, meanwhile, should be an eight-speed automatic.

The new Jaguar XE will be revealed later this year before going on sale Europe sometime in 2015. Unfortunately, it’s not due to reach U.S. shores until early 2016.

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