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Jaguar’s XF sedan has enjoyed heaps of praise from the public and the motoring press since its introduction, something that’s not likely to change when this “R” version hits the ground running.

This lightly dolled up Jaguar mule shows an XF-R that should be able to take the measure of even the sternest of the German competition, especially with a 500 horsepower supercharged V-8 churning away under the hood. The 5.0-liter eight is an all new direct injection engine as well, meaning that it’s likely cleaner and more frugal than big Jag engines of the past.

The XF-R will have a few subtle clues about its performance potential as well (if one can call 20-inch wheels subtle), with bigger shoes, a small rear lip spoiler, chromed quad exhaust tips, and revised bumpers. Take a look above.

Scroll down below to read more from our spy shooter in the field.

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Strange goings on this morning from the Jaguar development team at Germany’s Nürburgring, as our spy photographers have caught images of an XK mule that seems to raise more questions than it answers.

The XK seen here is sporting a bumper that differs from the unit used on the current car but it also seems to be a separate unit from the new face-lifted XK that has been recently spotted. The car has got other features that set it apart from the new XK mule as well, including new cutouts for the exhaust in the rear bumper, and the louvered hood from the XK-R.

Perhaps most strange though is the noise, or lack thereof, that was heard emanating from the car as it stormed down the famed ‘Ring. The photographer tells us that the car was much quieter than would be normal for a Jag driven in anger and speculates that this car may be some sort of hybrid prototype being tested. We’re not convinced that’s the case yet (a hybrid driven at full bore would still offer up an emphatic engine note), though non-hybrid options seem just as unlikely. A nearly silent Jaguar XK diesel has a certain appeal to it but until more evidence is offered up, all we can do is speculate.

We’re looking into the matter more deeply as of this writing and should new information come to light, NextAutos readers will be the first to know. Until then scroll down to read the spy shooter’s own words and check out the mystery XK images in the gallery above. Then, make sure to tell us what you think Jaguar is testing out there in comments.

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Though this test mule is clearly wearing the well known bodywork from the current Jaguar XJ sedan, our spy photographer sources seem to believe that this work-in-progress represents the first steps towards an all-new Jag.

Insiders believe that there will be a strong family resemblance between the next generation XJ and Aston Martin’s upcoming Rapide, with the two cars allegedly sporting very similar greenhouses. Look for the XJ to wear a shorter nose than the sleek Rapide though, with a front end something akin to the current XF. The upcoming Jag should also have a traditional truck in place of the Aston’s hatchback configuration.

This next generation XJ could also be the first Jaguar car ever to be offered with a hybrid engine option to go along with an entry-level V-6 mill, several V-8s, as well as diesel choices. Take a look at the early test mule images in our gallery above, or scroll down below to read the shooter’s own words.

There are more than a few long-time fans of Jaguar automobiles who have been somewhat concerned about the future of the British automaker now that control of it rests with relative upstart, Tata. Those anglophile Chicken Littles will likely be interested in a new report found in the July 30 issue of Autocar’s print magazine.

Word is that Tata sees Jag as being more of a sporting brand than a luxury one, and firmly believes that the company needs to offer a beautiful two-seater for considerably less money than the current XK. That car will be the long-awaited F-type, and Tata would like for it to be a fierce competitor for Porsche’s Boxster. Expect then that the F-type will start somewhere around $40,000 when it comes to call in less than two-years time.

+ Autocar

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We drove the Jaguar XJ right on the heels of the supercharged XF and we noticed a world of difference between the two models. The XF is full of new technologies and a style that is a fresh departure from Jaguars of the past. This is not to say that the XJ is all bad. In fact, our test car—in Vanden Plas trim level—proved to be quite nice.. We liked the car’s smooth ride, comfortable interior, and sleek appearance, but we’d all be more prone to choose an XF if given the option. Click through to read our full thoughts and impressions of the XJ Vanden Plas.

It seems as if Jaguar's new owners are moving right along with the facelift of the brand's signature coupe, as our photographers have laid bare.

I had jumped into this jaguar S-Type because I wanted to try one on the twists and turns of the Millbrook, U.K., test track where the auto company was showing its wares to writers. It was impressive.

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It’s not that unusual for us to find the occasional random press release waiting for us in our inbox, once or twelve-times a day, but it fairly rare that we get one quite as entertaining as this number from German tuners Loder.

The company has done a tasteful job kitting out the 2008 Jaguar XF but the real brilliance is in the verbiage it’s chosen to use in its official press release. Rather than spoil it with commentary, we’ll let you enjoy it in its natural state below the jump.