Jaguar has announced a new 2.2-liter diesel engine capable of 187 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque that can also travel 52.3 miles per gallon in the combined European cycle as fitted to a prototype of its 2012 XF sedan. The engine will also have little trouble meeting Europe's stringent CO2 regulations, as The Leaping Cat claims the engine only emits 149 g/km of CO2.

On the technology front, this new 16 valve common-rail diesel features a water-cooled turbocharger, low friction pistons, a fresh crankshaft and new injectors. Jaguar engineers also fitted a new oil pan and new electronic systems to allow for an intelligent Stop-Start system that operates more efficiently. The efficient little motor will work in concert with an also new eight-speed ZF transmission. Jaguar claims the diminutive diesel will propel the XF to 60 miles per hour in 8.5, while promising a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

As an added bonus, the folks at Jaguar were kind enough to pass us high-resolution photos of the refreshed XF undergoing testing. The camo is quite good, though we can see some alterations to the lower air dams, and we're guessing tail lamps, headlamps and the grille have also been given a once-over.

Jaguar says in the post-jump press release that the 2.2 diesel will make its way under the bonnet of a future XF production car, with "an estimated on-sale date being announced at the New York Auto Show." Keep in mind that the Big Apple show is international in scope, so assuming that a U.S. announcement means it will be sold here probably isn't a good idea. Hit the jump to read over the Jaguar press release.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF





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