These are early spy shots of the next generation Jaguar XJ, snapped in the UK today under heavy disguise.

Beneath all the cladding lies a radically modernised version of the British luxury saloon, with styling that's expected to be more in line with the smaller XF's.

Engines are likely to include an entry-level V6 and V8 plus a supercharged V8 version. A registration check reveals that this mule is running the naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8. But, crucially, the new XJ could also spawn Jaguar's first hybrid model.

Jaguar is believed to be working with Leyland-based engineering firm Torotrak. The firm has developed a mild hybrid system by fixing a starter generator between the engine and its owns Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT).

Unlike most hybrid systems, which are... // Autocar