Delivering 500bhp, and...

Delivering 500bhp, and featuring an uprated chassis and slick-shifting six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, it’s set to take the fight to the BMW M5. However, with only subtle bodywork modifications, the cool new cat looks far more mild than wild.

Study our images closely, though, and you’ll spot the quad exhaust pipes at the rear, while larger openings in the deep front bumper aid engine cooling.

Further clues to the XFR’s potential are the lowered ride height and massive 20-inch alloys. The big news is under the bonnet, where a new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 promises to deliver blistering performance.

What’s more, sources within the company have suggested that the model is being developed to run on green E85 bioethanol. But the Jag?’s real party piece will be its agility in corners. Engineers are confident this will be the class’s best-handling car, thanks to the countless hours they’ve spent testing at the Nürburgring.

The standard XF hits UK showrooms in March, while the R model – which is expected to cost ?50,000 – goes on sale in early 2009.