Jaguar's 911 Fighting XE Details Surface

We have some new details about the mysterious Jaguar XE we first told you about last year. The car will be set to take on the Porsche 911, and will be based on Jaguar's flexible architecture.

This is the same skeleton which will support the XF, XK, and all-new XJ. The latter gets its own debut in Frankfurt later this year.

Here's what we know, courtesy of MotorTrend: The Jaguar XE should be a larger version of the XF, and could be the successor to the long-cancelled Jaguar F-Type project. But don't expect an identical match to the F-Type. Since that concept's debut, pedestrian safety standards have been implemented that would make a straight replica illegal for the streets. Instead, look for a design that hints to Jaguar's past, while still being lower to the ground than the Jag XJ.

In an interview with Autocar, Ratan Tata, chairman of Jaguar parent Tata Motors, said, "We need to emerge with something shiny and new, which is why we are re-prioritizing the roadster right now." He also points out that innovation and development will be the only way Jaguar can survive the recession.

A few different engine choices are being tossed around, including the 385 hp naturally aspirated 5.0-liter AJ-V8. With a supercharger mounted, that car gets up to 510hp, more than enough power to bring a 0-60mph time around 4.0 seconds. Also being kicked about is the 3.0-liter V6 diesel, tuned to 272 hp and 442 ft-lb of torque. With that engine, Jaguar would be seeking a best of both world's scenario, delivering 35 mpg and a 0-60mph time of under six seconds.

Look for the Jaguar XE to come in around $80- to $90,000, and becoming direct competition to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and the Porsche 911. The new jaguar XE should honor the 50th birthday of the Jag E-Type with an introduction at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.