MotorAuthority

Jaguar insider reveals plans for XF Roadster and Coupe

Posted Thu Nov 20 2008 7:53 PM by Kenneth Hall

Convertible and coupe versions of the XF would compete with cars like the A5 and upcoming Mercedes E-Class Coupe

Coinciding with similar statements earlier this month from Ratan Tata, the boss of Tata Motors and the current owner of Jaguar, is a new report claiming plans for coupe and convertible versions of the XF have been given the green light.

According to an inside source, who spoke recently with AutoExpress, Tata has confirmed several sporty new models for development, including versions based on the XK and a brand new model as well.

The first of these will likely be an XF convertible, rumored to be called the XF Roadster. The car is expected to pick up a folding soft-top roof and feature a slightly shorter wheelbase than the current XF to aid structural rigidity and improve its proportions.

Also earmarked for production will be a stylish two-door version, simply called the XF Coupe. Pricing for both cars will be significantly higher than the XF sedan but will fall well below the XK range so as to not poach any sales. Powertrains will be lifted directly from the sedan, allowing the new models to compete directly with cars like the Audi A5 and upcoming Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe.

Other models in the works include a 500hp-plus (373kW) XFR model powered by supercharged V8 and scheduled to be unveiled at January’s Detroit Auto Show. After that there will be a new R version of the already potent XKR, fitted with the same powerplant as the XFR. In late 2010 we should see the launch of the next-generation XJ saloon and after that a new, affordable and light weight sports car targeted at the likes of the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes Benz SLK is expected to be launched.

story Tags:

• Jaguar
• Jaguar XF
• Jaguar XFR
• Ratan Tata
• Tata
• XF
• XF Coupe
• XF Roadster
• XFR

Reader Comments

• Fri Nov 21 2008 9:06 AM

  danDAN says

  Is the XF Coupe not going to canibalizr the XK's sales?

• Fri Nov 21 2008 11:10 AM

  Suggs says

  I dont think it will as how I read it its as follows in model range comparison
  
  XF roadster / coupe --- Aston Martin V8
  
  XK8 --- DB9

• Sun Nov 23 2008 6:16 PM

  danDAN says

  But the XF and XK wil surely be similar sizes as:
  
  XF Saloon - 5 series - E Class
  
  the 6 series is essentially the 5 series coupe, the E Class Coupe out 2010
  
  650, E550, XF & XK
  
  even if it costs £10k less it still sounds like it will be a similar sized car. It can't be too small as isn't that where the reported F Type is going to fit?