2012 Jaguar XF development mule

2012 Jaguar XF development mule

Official "spy shots" released today by Jaguar show a 2012 XF development mule packing a new 2.2-liter diesel engine. While we won't likely be seeing the oil-burner here in the U.S., the images are still relevant to what we may soon be seeing on our roads.

Wrapped in swirly camouflage vinyl, it's hard to make out the details, but the front end, hood, and possbly the fenders appear to be mildly re-shaped, with the hood-headlight cutline in particular being smoother--a welcome change for many critics of the current XF.

2012 Jaguar XF development mule

2012 Jaguar XF development mule

Jaguar didn't give us a clear shot of the rear of the car, but as it's wrapped in camouflage too, we can expect some minor restyling there. Beyond that, it's the familiar XF shape we've known for years now--and that's a good thing. The XF was a stunner when it debuted, and its profile still stands out among the Benzes, Bimmers, and Caddies on the road.

As for the four-cylinder diesel under the hood of the test car, it's rated at 190 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, fitted with a stop-start system, making the diesel development XF capable of 8.5-second 0-62 mph sprint, and a top speed of 140 mph.

Full specs and an estimated sale date will be announced at the New York Auto Show.