When Jaguar launched the current-generation XK in all its feline ferocity, it reportedly promised that the car would only be offered with gasoline engines. But that was a couple of years ago, around the same time that Audi began to dominate Le Mans racing with its R10 TDI, when BMW put the 3-liter turbodiesel into the 6 Series, but more importantly, before the current fuel crunch made consumers reexamine the prospect of driving a diesel sportscar.

That’s why reports now suggest that Jaguar is preparing a diesel version of the XK. Based on the 2.7-liter V6 turbodiesel used in its sedans, the XK is tipped to receive a more powerful 3-liter version with 250 hp – still short of the BMW 635d’s 290, but still capable of returning over 30 mpg with torque to spare. Whether the diesel XK would make it to the American market remains doubtful, however.

The fastest Jaguar for sale since the sublime XJ220: a discreet responsibility. And if, instead, the small handful of technicians engaged in the project had worked with such efficiency from the obscure adored turbo V6? Assumptions remote? Suspensions renovated, larger brakes, only 200 copies worldwide: giaguaro justifies the S raising additional maximum power the XK-R. The only colour Ultimate Black and circles alloy forged by 20 inches are a welcome yelled.

The aerodynamic benefits of unpublished appendices - front and rear - to offer greater stability at high speed: the casing, the exquisite development, cassette low of 10mm exacerbating the feeling with the road, proposed without filters, without unnecessary screens.

The comfort, of course, it suffers: little evil. Who buys the XKR-S is aware of having to give up some privilege. The addition of an anti-roll bar and springs stricter response makes the steering more direct, 10%, making the car flat and communicative addressed even in curves at speeds supported.

It may seem a contradiction, yet is the signal dell’inesorabile change of the times. The British Technology Strategy Board, non-governmental public body intended to encourage the study of emerging technologies, has earmarked 23 million Pounds (about 30 million euros) in the development of 16 products from reduced emissions. And who are the partners more involved? Lotus and Jaguar, two manufacturers, until recently, used to sfornare horses rather than listen to the voice of their conscience.

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David Blume, president of Jaguar Cars Ltd.’s Japanese unit (left) and Adam Hatton, Jaguar designer, pose next to the company’s new C-XF concept vehicle at a media launch in Tokyo, Japan on 11 July, 2007.