The demise of the Jaguar XK doesn't necessarily mean Jaguar->ke39 is leaving a hole in its entire lineup. A new model is set to replace the XK and from the looks of it, the British automaker is looking to field a coupe->ke141 version of its bigger Jaguar XJ->ke1206 with styling cues attributed to the F-Type->ke1224.

Given how the F-Type has been an enormous success and is largely the reason why Jaguar decided to drop the XK, it's a smart move for Jaguar to make the proposed XJ Coupe look similar to its current meal ticket. That appears to be the plan for Jaguar, as it continues to make aggressive move after aggressive move to be a player in the luxury->ke505 performance market.

The reported arrival of the XJ Coupe also means that Jaguar won't necessarily drop out of the 2+2 grand tourer market where models like the Bentley Continental GT and the new Mercedes S-Class Coupe reside. On the contrary, Jaguar is preparing the XJ Coupe to be a direct rival to these models. With that, you can at least expect the model to be bigger than the XK with a similar aluminum architecture as the F-Type.

Engine options will likely also be varied and could range from either a supercharged V-6 to a V-8, or possible both. A six-cylinder diesel is also expected to be in the mix.

Discussions on price will likely be shelved at least until there's confirmation for the model, but reason dictates that the model could be priced somewhere in the neighborhood of at least £100,000.

Note: Sedan model pictured here.

Click past the jump to read more about the Jaguar XJ Coupe.

2016 Jaguar XJ Coupe

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Jaguar XJ Coupe
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Competitors

Bentley Continental GT

There's no denying the fact that Bentleys are some of the finest cars to come out of Britain, and that includes anything Jaguar has built recently. One model that has been the standard bearer for Bentley has been the Continental GT. Sure, it's old and needs to be updated, but it's still a Bentley, and that's cache very few automakers can rival.

Besides, with a model like the Continental GT, you still get your money's worth. Luxury is never a problem with this model, and its new 4.0-liter, twin turbocharged V-8 engine gives you that throaty roar to the tune of 500 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, good enough to hit 60 mph in under five seconds to go with a top speed of 180 mph.

Mercedes S-Class Coupe

If Jaguar has any aspirations of being a contender in this market, it's got a lot of work to do to ensure the upcoming XJ Coupe can compete with the new Mercedes S-Class Coupe. It's not just that the S-Class is beautiful to look at; it's really, really beautiful to look at.

The S-Class doesn't have the horses to compete with the Continental GT, but with a 4.7-liter, V-8 engine under its hood that produces 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, it's not a slouch by any means. 0-to-60 mph clocks at 4.7 seconds and the top speed is limited to just 155 mph. That could be a problem for those looking to make the most of the S-Class Coupe's full performance credentials.