By Mike Goetz

Jaguar had a few things to growl about at Detroit. Most notable was the introduction of its all-new-from-the-ground-up 5.0-litre V8, which finds its way into both the new XF sedans and the XK coupes and convertibles.

It purported to feature the world’s first spray-guided direct injection system. Naturally aspirated versions are good for 380 hp @ 3,500 rpm and 461 lb-ft of torque, from 2,500 to 5,500 rpm. (By the way, the current 300-hp 4.2-litre V8 stays in the line-up, partly to keep XJ powered, and partly to be an alternative to the competition’s V6 models.)

Jaguar XFR

For duty in the first-time-seen XFR, which also debuted at Detroit, and the revised XKR, the new 5.0 litre V8 is boosted the traditional Jag way – by fitting twin “Eaton” type superchargers. The blowers crank the V8’s output to 461 hp (2,500-5,500 rpm) and 625 lb-ft of torque (2,500-5,500). That’s sic.

To demonstrate the awesomeness of this engine, Jaguar took an XFR to Bonneville, and during a secret speed trial, posted a stunning top speed run of 225.675 mph, making it the fastest Jaguar ever.