Downsizing and strict CO2 emissions rules have had the firm’s performance brand, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), thinking about expanding their portfolio.

Jaguar’s Director of Public Relations, Richard Agnew, has confirmed with CarAdvice that SVO could turn its attention to other types of powertrains in the future, hinting towards smaller units as well.

“We can’t possibly say that an SVO has to be a V8, with the way the world is changing and also the way engine technology is changing as well. Who would’ve thought that 400 horsepower out of a four cylinder is possible? So it doesn’t have to be a V8. What it needs to be, though, is have enough over the derivative below it so it does have the credentials to wear the SVR badge.“

Citing BMW, who have dropped the V8 from the M3 in favor of new six-pot turbocharged engines, while showing appreciation for Mercedes-AMG and their newly developed 4.0-liter V8 used in the C 63 AMG, he hinted towards the direction the brand could take.

“You see AMG designing a new V8 and I think you look at the C-Class AMG and versus the M and I think they would be disappointed they went to a six and AMG have 100hp on them… that new V8 they’ve got is a state-of-the-art biturbo with super-low emissions, it’s a great engine.“

Agnew admits that SVR-badged cars are not all about size and cylinders and SVO could eventually turn its head towards electrification of its powertrains. “We stated we are going to have an electric car. One thing about electric cars is that their performance is, dare I say, ‘electric’, and I think they are some of the game changers in terms of torque delivery and power delivery. In the future, when we have electric cars ,what will an SVR version of it be? It will be bloody quick, but it’s too early to say [more].”

The only SVR car sold by Jaguar at this point is the F-Type, introduced last month in Geneva, with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 575 PS (567 HP) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Range Rover also offers an SVR version of the Sport, which uses the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 powertrain, rated at 550 PS (542 HP) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque, in this case.

Note: Jaguar F-Type SVR pictured

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