Jaguar’s compact XE luxury sedan hasn’t yet been fully unveiled, but already reports are rolling in of a hot-rodded, BMW M3-fighting derivative.

According to Auto Express, Jaguar Land Rover’s new Special Vehicle Operations division – the outfit responsible for the 550-horsepower Range Rover Sport SVR – is developing a high-performance version of the sedan known as the XE SVR.

Like JLR’s other go-fast models, the XE SVR will rely on a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, tuned for 489 horsepower in this application. With the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission, the zero-to-60 mph sprint is expected to require roughly four seconds. An active exhaust system will ensure ample motor music during spirited drives, along with more subdued noise levels in cruising situations.

A more menacing front bumper, beefed up side sills and flared wheel arches will distinguish the XE SVR from its humbler kin, as will a rear diffuser and quad tailpipes. Underneath, a specially-tuned suspension, upsized brakes and an electronic-controlled limited-slip rear differential will compliment the potent V8.

If the Auto Express report proves accurate, the XE SVR will launch in early 2016, following a thorough vetting on the Nurburgring.

Jaguar’s next-generation XF sedan has broken cover on the streets of the UK. The all-new XF is expected to make its market introduction in 2016 as a 2017 model.

The final styling of the 2017 XF remains hidden beneath camouflage, but we know that Jaguar’s mid-size sedan will move to a brand new platform shared with the upcoming XE. Like the XE, the XF will lean heavily on aluminum for its construction, which should net benefits in both performance and overall efficiency.

The XF will continue to battle the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but we hear Jaguar is also readying a coupe variant that will go toe-to-toe with the 6-Series and E-Class Coupe. Timing for that model isn’t known at this time.

The next XF will likely be powered by today’s range of four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines, but a 2.2L diesel could also be in the works. A high-performance XF-R model is almost a certainty.

Look for the 2017 Jaguar XF to make its world debut sometime next year.

Infiniti is planning a major product expansion over the next five years that will include the launch of several new performance variants, a new report finds.

With an eye toward capturing a bigger piece of the luxury car market, Infiniti will introduce five new models by 2019, giving the company 8 sedans/coupes and 5 utility vehicles. Infiniti currently sells just 8 model lines.

Infiniti’s new product offensive will begin next year with the market launches of the Q30 hatchback and QX30 compact crossover.

In addition to just new nameplates, Michael Bartsch, vice president of Infiniti Americas, revealed to Autoblog that the company is also developing a new high-performance sub-division that will presumably take on BMW’s M and Mercedes’ AMG. Moreover, Bartsch said the performance treatment would be given to “products across all model lines,” indicating high-performance Infinitis will be available at several different price points.

Infiniti has been using the IPL label for its performance cars for the last few years, but that could change with the launch of the Q50 Eau Rouge.

Look for Infiniti to break ground on its new initiative at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Our spy photographers have sent us the first images of Lotus’ super Elise for the street.

Earlier this year Lotus unveiled its most extreme Elise to date in the form of the S Cup R, but those lucky enough to take delivery of the high-performance two-door were restricted to track use. However, that won’t be the case for long as Lotus is developing a road-legal version of the Elise S Cup R.

Spotted today testing on Germany’s Nurburgring, this Elise S Cup R looks nearly identical to its racing counterpart, save for functioning headlights and the deletion of a rollcage.

It’s presumed that the road-going Elise S Cup R will be powered by a 217 horsepower version of Lotus’ 1.8L supercharged four-cylinder. The sprint from 0-60 should come up in a quick 4-seconds.

It remains to be seen if the Lotus Elise S Cup R will be sold in the United States, but if it is, expect a price tag in the neighborhood of $70,000.

Subaru announced on Tuesday that its latest Legacy and Outback models have earned the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s top rating of Top Safety Pick+.

Both the 2015 Legacy sedan and 2015 Outback crossover earned the IIHS’ highest rating of ‘good’ in front small overlap, front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact crash evaluations. Additionally, both models eared a ‘superior’ rating in the Institute’s front crash avoidance testing.

When equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight system — which uses two, high-mounted cameras for collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning – the Legacy and Outback are also winners of the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ award.

“The Institute’s findings reinforce our dedication to building safe vehicles,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “We are proud of the 2014 Top Safety Pick endorsement for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up.”

Subaru has seven models rated as Top Safety Picks, three of which have been bestowed with the Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Images by Drew Johnson.