Twin Spark 4.7L Power
UK FIRST - TWIN SPARK POWER
This project was developed by E-Type UK as an engineering-led fast-road E-Type, shaped by how the car is driven today rather than by period convention alone.
From the outset, our brief was clear: to deliver an E-Type that feels effortless on the road — responsive at low and mid-range revs, stable at speed, and mechanically relaxed over long distances.
Every major decision flowed from that intent.
OUR APPROACH TO THE 4.7L XK
Rather than pursuing peak power or race-derived specifications, a 4.7-litre XK was developed to deliver torque, flexibility and ease in real-world driving.
At this capacity, the engine produces strong, usable torque across the rev range, allowing the car to pull cleanly without constant downshifts or high engine speeds. When paired with a five-speed gearbox, it transforms the E-Type into a relaxed, modern fast-road car while retaining the smooth character of the straight six.
In our experience, 4.7 litres represents the upper sensible limit of the XK architecture for road use — delivering performance without heat, stress or compromise.
WIDE-ANGLE HEAD, ENGINEERED FOR THE ROAD
To support this capacity increase, a wide-angle cylinder head to improve airflow and combustion efficiency without resorting to aggressive cam profiles or high-rpm operation.
This allows the engine to breathe properly, run cooler, and respond cleanly at part throttle — an approach consistent with our focus on drivability and longevity rather than headline figures.
A SYSTEM, NOT A SINGLE UPGRADE
The engine was developed as part of a complete, E-Type UK-engineered system.
Fuel delivery, ignition, cooling and exhaust were specified together to ensure predictable behaviour, thermal stability and long-distance usability. The bespoke stainless-steel exhaust was designed to manage flow and heat cleanly, complementing the engine’s road-focused intent rather than overpowering it.
ENGINEERING CONTINUITY
While Jaguar never produced a 4.7-litre E-Type in series form, enlarging and optimising XK engines beyond factory capacity was well-established practice among period specialists.
Our role here was to apply that logic deliberately — combining period-informed engineering with modern materials and control systems to create a cohesive, reliable road car.
THE RESULT
The finished car reflects E-Type UK’s engineering philosophy: capacity used intelligently, airflow managed properly, and systems developed together.
The result is an E-Type that feels effortless rather than aggressive — engineered to be driven, used and enjoyed, without losing the character that defines the original XK engine.