If these images – which UK outfit Auto Express is touting as “world exclusive” pictures – are indeed the real deal, then what we’ve got here is possibly the sexiest modern Jag the planet Earth (and probably the universe) has yet seen. If it’s merely a commissioned concept, Jaguar needs to get out the ol’ pen and pad and start taking notes.

We first touched on the possibility of a Jaguar XF Coupe earlier this month, and it now appears Jaguar is leaning closer to giving its buyers something to smile about the next time a BMW M coupe pulls up alongside at the lights.

Power for the 2010 XF Coupe is likely to come in the form of Jaguar’s newest 5.0-litre V8, with 373kW making its way to the ground.

The concept pictured shows a design obviously inspired by its four-door forebear, with the main difference (ignoring the absence of two doors) being a pair headlights plainly more aggressive than those on any other car, anywhere. The XF’s trademark gaping grill remains, but now it rests above far more supercar-like front intakes.

Wide but smoothly integrated front guards flow back into a satin silver brake cooling vent, the shape of which forms the beginning of a no-nonsense pair of character lines streaking back through the profile of the coupe.  A simple swooping roofline leads back into a high rear deck, above a pair of very XF-styled taillights.

If this is what Jaguar’s future looks like, Tata’s purchase of the iconic British brand may be the best thing that ever happened to it. (If it can extricate itself from its current credit difficulties.)