The Jaguar X-Type Supercharger is a unique prototype developed as a “Skunk” project at the Halewood plant. This experimental vehicle, based on the X-Type estate, housed a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine paired with a six-speed Volvo gearbox and all-wheel drive. This combination aimed to explore the performance potential of the X-Type platform.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
The development team, led by Paul Freeman, faced the challenge of integrating the larger supercharged V6 engine into the X-Type’s engine bay without significant modifications to the body structure. This constraint was crucial to avoid extensive and costly crash testing. The team utilized existing supercharged engines from a shelved X400R project (the “R” denoting supercharged Jaguar vehicles), which had been stored offsite.
The six-speed gearbox, sourced from Volvo (then part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group along with Jaguar), was chosen to handle the increased power output. A custom straight-through exhaust system was initially fabricated but proved excessively loud, necessitating the addition of baffles to mitigate noise levels.
Testing and Legacy
Throughout 2004 and 2005, the Jaguar X-Type Supercharger underwent extensive testing, including trials in Liverpool and Coventry. During this period, the prototype even garnered a speeding ticket in Leamington Spa.
In 2008, Jaguar Cars donated the vehicle to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT). Its original registration was subsequently changed to “X400 SVO,” referencing the X-Type’s project code, X400. Interestingly, a JDHT volunteer, Dave Stockbridge, had worked on Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) for the original X400R program. He recounted efforts to reduce the prominent supercharger whine, initially audible from a considerable distance. They eventually managed to lessen the noise to acceptable levels. Stockbridge also recalled that the X400R program was halted in favor of developing the X400 diesel engine, and some X400R engines were given to Ford, who used the Cleveland V6 as a base engine.
The X400R’s vehicle dynamics development was likely spearheaded by Jaguar’s internal department but outsourced to Prodrive, involving renowned engineers like Richard Hurdwell (TR8 rally car chassis developer) and Wynne Mitchell (Sunbeam Lotus rally car engineer). The Jaguar X-Type Supercharger stands as a testament to Jaguar’s commitment to innovation and performance. This one-off prototype offers a glimpse into what might have been, showcasing the potential of a supercharged X-Type. It has been featured in various club and classic car magazines.
