Over the past year or so most of the buzz surrounding Jaguar’s future sports car lineup has centered on a new roadster model dubbed the XE, which is expected to arrive in the next couple of years. However, around the same time, a replacement for the stunning XK is also due.

We now have the first solid details on the next-generation XK, which is due to go on sale in 2013 and be available with a new, high-performance turbodiesel variant for the first time.

The new XK will be based on the same platform as the current model and is expected to grow in size despite the addition of the not-so-much smaller XE roadster. Both Coupe and Convertible models will be offered, the latter continuing with an automated folding soft-top for packaging, performance and cost reasons.

A 2+2 seating configuration will also remain. This is mostly due to the fact that the current model’s rivet-bonded platform of alloy extrusions will carry over largely unchanged, as will the front and rear axles and adaptive suspension set-up.

While the mechanicals might be a little familiar, the exterior styling will be a radical departure from the current model. Gone will be the oval shaped grille, instead replaced with a new rectangular design similar to the one on the XF and XJ though with its own unique twist. Expect sharper lines and a more contoured appearance for the rest of the body.

In terms of powertrains, most of the supercharged and naturally aspirated V-8 units of the current model will carry over but with minor revisions for emissions regulations and possibly more power. However, the big news is that the potent 3.0-liter turbodiesel from the European Jaguar XF S will be available in a new XK D model. In the XF the engine develops 271 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque but in the XK it could deliver even more juice. Sadly, this particular model is unlikely to be sold in the U.S. but the car’s 2013 release date is still some time away and a lot could change between now and then–namely, a rise in the popularity of diesels.

Pictured above is the new 2011 Jaguar XKR, which has been decked out in the new Speed and Black Packs and is due to make its world debut next month at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Source:motorauthority.com

Ford Scorpion 6.7-liter V-8 Turbodiesel

A new era in Ford diesel technology arrives with the unveiling of the company’s latest 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. Set to debut in the 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickup truck, the new diesel engine is expected to deliver significant improvements in torque, horsepower and fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and helping Ford meet stringent new emissions requirements.

So far Ford isn’t releasing much in the way of numbers for either power or efficiency of the new engine other than to say that it is both more powerful and more efficient than the engine it replaces. What we do know is that the engine features several automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel engine.

These include an ‘inboard exhaust’ architecture and a unique ‘single-sequential’ turbocharger with a double-sided compressor wheel mounted on a single shaft.

This turbocharger design allows the single unit to deliver the benefits of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the benefits of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit.

The engine also gets a high-pressure Bosch fuel system that injects diesel at up to 30,000 psi and aluminium cylinder heads for reduced weight.

One of the obvious visual differences in the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine is the layout of the pipes. The exhaust manifolds, for example, reside in the valley of the engine instead of outboard, while the intake is outboard of the engine. The cylinder heads are essentially flipped around in comparison with previous V-8 engine architectures. Advantages include a smaller exhaust system and improved cooling.

Source:motorauthority.com