Jaguar hasn't offered a four-cylinder engine since 1948 and no V-6 since the small, lackluster X-Type was pulled from the United States four years ago. But in an era of mpg obsession, even this proud British luxury brand is changing its spots.
Jaguar will offer four- and six-cylinder engines in two of its three car lines starting this fall.
"We have only V-8s in a market that has moved to six-cylinder," said Andy Goss, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America.
A 2.0-liter, 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder from the Range Rover Evoque will be available on the XF sedan, the four-door that competes with the BMW 5 series, Cadillac STS and Mercedes-Benz E350.
A supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 in two variants -- 340 hp and 380 hp -- will be offered on the XF and the larger XJ sedan. The V-6 is based on the 5.0-liter V-8, now the only engine Jaguar offers on U.S. cars.
Goss said the V-6 in particular will be a game changer for Jaguar. About 70 percent of cars in the segment in which the XF competes are sold with V-6 engines, he said.
"With the V-8, we are fishing in a small pond," he said.
Both new engines will be teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings won't be available until August.
The new engines and transmissions won't be available on the XK convertible and coupe.
