First pic: meet the new Jaguar XJR

This is the first picture of the brand new Jaguar XJR; the latest addition to Jaguar's R model range. That R signifies that it is very loud, very fast, and very powerful.

How powerful? It gets the same engine as the Jaguar XKR-S, which is a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 with 542bhp and just over 500lb ft of torque. No word on performance but it'll be quicker than the XJ Supersport's 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds. And remember, in the XKR-S, that V8 - one of the world's great V8s - is good for 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds.

We're promised a raft of "bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments" to turn the XJR into a focused, sharpened, luxurious and responsive weapon of ultimate oversteer, and of course, the most dynamic XJ to have ever been produced. ‘Supercar performance' is the keynote pitch here. Looks pretty mean too, don't you think?

Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar global brand director, tells us "the new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon". Sounds very promising indeed.

It'll make its global debut at next week's New York Motor Show, at which point we can bring you much more information. For now though, let us know your thoughts on the Return of the XJR...

TopGear.com rides in the Jaguar XJ Supersports 'Ring taxi

TG drives the Jaguar XKR-S in Norway