Jaguar XJR with 550 hp prepped for New York debut

Up until now, the most powerful Jaguar XJ on the market was the Supersport, a 510-hp brandy room on wheels. But if you desire your British country club to offer a little more juice, you’re in luck: The 550 horsepower Jaguar XJR is on its way.

With Jaguar, the R at the end of its name promises an added dollop of rambunctious sportiness. Power will be greater, the suspension will be tighter and the visual characteristics will be toughened. Jaguar announced today that the XJR – a machine not seen since the last generation XJ – will make a return debut at the New York auto show next week.

Details are scarce, but judging by the one picture provided, there is a healthy level of spice. Likely, the interior will follow suit. We’ll have more on the XJR as additional details surface, but over the last 6 months or so, the British manufacturer has been doing a nice job of rejuvenating its once stagnant product lineup.