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Jaguar’s next sports car likely to be a lightweight roadster

Jaguar’s next sports car likely to be a lightweight roadster

Kenneth Hall January 27th, 2009 Kenneth Hall By Kenneth Hall Author January 27th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 There are numerous reports about Jaguar working on a brand new sports car, with some speculating that the car will be a mid-engined supercar to take on the likes of the Audi R8, while others claim it is more likely to be a lightweight roadster designed along the lines of the Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4. According to inside sources, this second theory is the more accurate one. Speaking with AutoWeek at this month’s Detroit Auto Show, a Jaguar insider revealed that the company is looking at launching an affordable, front-engined sports car to be called the XE. Last September it was revealed that Jaguar had actually registered the XE title as a trademark in the UK, however, the insider explained that the project had not been given a final sign off yet. If given the go ahead, the XE is expected to be launched around 2012 or 2013 along with the replacement for the XK. Supporting the project is the boss of Jaguar’s new parent company, Ratan Tata, who has voiced enthusiasm for an entry-level Jaguar sports car even before he had bought the company. In Jaguar’s more immediate future is the launch of the next-generation XJ flagship next year as well as a diesel-powered XK.
Jaguar first previewed a modern lightweight roadster back in 2000 with the F-Type concept car

Jaguar first previewed a modern lightweight roadster back in 2000 with the F-Type concept car

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There are numerous reports about Jaguar working on a brand new sports car, with some speculating that the car will be a mid-engined supercar to take on the likes of the Audi R8, while others claim it is more likely to be a lightweight roadster designed along the lines of the Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4. According to inside sources, this second theory is the more accurate one.

Speaking with AutoWeek at this month’s Detroit Auto Show, a Jaguar insider revealed that the company is looking at launching an affordable, front-engined sports car to be called the XE. Last September it was revealed that Jaguar had actually registered the XE title as a trademark in the UK, however, the insider explained that the project had not been given a final sign off yet.

If given the go ahead, the XE is expected to be launched around 2012 or 2013 along with the replacement for the XK. Supporting the project is the boss of Jaguar’s new parent company, Ratan Tata, who has voiced enthusiasm for an entry-level Jaguar sports car even before he had bought the company.

In Jaguar’s more immediate future is the launch of the next-generation XJ flagship next year as well as a diesel-powered XK.

Tags: Roadsters

Posted in: Jaguar, News, Concept Cars


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By chris #1, Posted: 1/29/2008

    bubye X type! good riddance. maybe you can come back with a cleaner futuristic look instead of being a midsized 70 year old retro mini-coach.

  2. By Jezza #2, Posted: 1/29/2008

    The X-type wasn\'t a bad car, it was just that the competition was better.

  3. By NaBUru38 #3, Posted: 1/29/2008

    More important, the X-Type meant Jaguar was in the same level as Mercedes or BMW. Jaguar used to aim a little higher, so the discontinuation of the X-Type is a good way to recover that.

    I assume this car will be closer to an SC, XLR or SL-Class rather than a Boxster, Z4, TT or SLK-Class. A small car would have the same effect on Jaguar's image as the X-Type.

  4. By Dan Middleton #4, Posted: 1/31/2008

    Bring it on! I actually had the privilege to have my picture taken while seated in the F-Type Prototype when shown in Orlando, Florida. The next day I went to the local Jaguar Dealer and plunked down a deposit. I was second on the dealers list. I patiently waited for two years and when it became apparent the F-Type project was killed, my deposit was returned. This was a very sad day. I have kept the dream alive since then. I only hope the ressurection of the F-Type project is more than a rumor. Having been an E-Type "freak" for more than 30 years, (own two) I would love to get my hands on the new F-Type before I depart this planet. I hope others will express interest in this fabulous car to keep Jaguar in its position of prominence.

  5. ma_burke avatar by burke #5, Posted: 1/27/2009

    The model shown is OK but imo, it's not a good representation of what a future mid engined Jaguar should look like, not after the fabulous XJ-220. For a better idea of what Jaguar's response to the Audi R8 should look like , please go to www.gtspirit.com and search there and enjoy...

  6. ma_danDAN avatar by danDAN #6, Posted: 1/27/2009

    They keep saying its coming. Again and again, I think it will get cancelled as Tata are moaning about money atm and money is what one needs to build a new car.

    Sorry to sound pessimistic but unless they buy Elise chassis off Lotus, whack in maybe the Focus RS Engine or a high tuned V6 can't see this coming myself.

  7. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #7, Posted: 1/27/2009

    I wonder what engines this entry level Jag will see

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