Posted on Sunday 3 February 2008
With the sale of Jaguar to India’s Tata Group expected to be announced within weeks the British carmaker will finally have the financial backing to develop the exclusive range of performance cars its management has been dreaming of. Shedding the Ford shackles, which have held it back for 15 years, and less than a year out from returning to profitability, Jaguar is now ready to develop a range of new models including luxury saloons, sporty coupes and all new two-seater 911-rival.
Already in the works is the replacement for the XJ flagship. Codenamed X351, the new car is expected to arrive next year and will feature a more advanced aluminum body (fewer rivets, more extrusions and extra rigidity). It will have a unique look all of its own and won’t simply be a bigger XF, and will come in both short and long wheelbase models, reports Autocar.
The XK Coupe will eventually spawn an ultra-performance XKR-R model complete with the carmaker’s new 500hp 5.0L V8 engine and a top speed of around 180mph. According to the source, Jaguar could also develop a new sedan on the XK as well. This model would be styled as a four-door coupe and rival cars like Mercedes’ CLS and the forthcoming Panamera sedan from Porsche.
Expect to see several variations of the current XF as well. In addition to the sedan, Jaguar is almost certain to release an estate-wagon variant and officials are considering launching a coupe, convertible and possibly even an AWD crossover.
The car that’s got everybody excited, however, is the new high-performance sports car. Rumored to pick up styling cues from the previous F-Type concept car, the new model will feature a steel body built around the XF platform (the XJ’s aluminum body is likely too expensive to re-engineer). Both V6 and V8 engines will be on offer and performance should be similar to the Porsche 911 family.
I grew up loving Jaguar’s curvacios lines. Unfortunately once I reached the age to buy one Ian Callum’s design had softened so much that I along with others find the vehicles non-competitive when compared to its rivals. The upcoming models were created under Fords reign and will likely have some soul stirring concepts. The problem is Jaguar does not stick to developing its concepts exactly as shown on the autoshow circuit. The XF could have been SO much better had the exterior reflected the original design language. The same for the XK concept - beautiful. The finished products design is not nearly as attractive. Since its inception, penning a great design was Jaguars biggest asset however they lack in every other major category from engines to interior amenities and safety. The present XJ is such a disappointment and cannot compete with the best from Germany & Japan making it more so a niche sedan for those that admire its heritage. Tata will have their hands full in the innovation department though funds won’t be an issue. I hope Jaguar can revive the F-type and stay true to the original concept. Callum should step aside and talent from Aston Martin should be brought in.
btw..The Mercedes Benz CLS has Jaguar written all over it. Coventry should have been first to market with a similar four door coupe. Adding such a vehicle to the line-up would go a long way to gaining ground.
Jaguar has had it’s trials and tribulations and it is about time they get back to the tribulations. I have been a devoted Jaguar professional for many years and as they get back to the ideaology that got them to the top I grow more proud to do what I do. Bring on the F-type and the new XJ we need the hot product to keep the people in the showroom and the cars in the shop. Right now I feel like a Giants fan right before the super bowl. Just wait and see..