Jaguar Testing Hybrid Powertrain on XK?

When it comes to automotive spy shots, and unless you manage to get inside information on a specific vehicle from people that you know and trust –and believe us, this is something extremely difficult, you have to rely on your experience and knowledge of what’s going around in the industry to make a credible story. Take this Jaguar XK test mule that was spotted on the Nurburgring race track in Germany by the spy photographers of our pals over at Next Auto. -Continued

While one could focus on the louvered XK-R hood or the taped bumper, what really sets apart this prototype is that according to the photographers who took the shots, the test mule was extremely quiet on the race track. But could this be enough proof that the XK seen in the ‘Ring was equipped with a hybrid powertrain?

We wouldn’t vouch for it as it is possible that the specific prototype could be wearing a smaller and well-silenced V6 engine. On the other hand, we do know that Jaguar and Land Rover that now belong to India’s Tata Group are developing two mild-hybrid systems based around two new engines, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel and a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline unit. Apparently, your guess is as good as ours on this one.

Via: Next Autos