Latest Auto News Blog: Jaguar upgrades European XF diesel: 443 lb-ft and 35 MPG!

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Green, Tech, Jaguar

Click the new XF Diesel S for a high-res gallery

Over in Europe, the Jaguar XF has been available with diesel power since its debut last year. However, as well regarded as the old 2.7-liter V6 oil burner was, its 207 horsepower couldn't run with the big dog twin-turbo 286 hp diesel six from BMW. So for the 2010 model year, Jaguar has developed a new dual turbo 3.0-liter that's available in 240 hp or 275 hp S trim. While 275 ponies might not seem all that special these days, the engine's 443 lb-ft of torque from as little as 1,600 rpm has what it takes to push the XF Diesel S to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 155 miles-per-hour. That's 0.3 seconds quicker than the normally aspirated 4.2-liter gasoline V8 that serves as the base powerplant here in the US.

Even more impressive is that the diesel offers this performance while achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 35 miles-per-gallon U.S. - a 12 percent improvement on the old 2.7. All of this is achieved through a 29,000 psi common-rail fuel system and a particulate filter. The forced-induction setup is particularly interesting: Most dual turbo configurations use a small responsive unit at low revs and a bigger unit at higher speeds. In this case, however, Jag's new XF uses a larger variable nozzle turbo at low speeds to reduce pumping losses and fuel consumption.

Sadly, there's no word yet on whether Jaguar will bring the oily Cat to America, but unless diesel prices move closer to those of gasoline, we wouldn't count on it. Click on the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XF Diesel S