Tata: Jaguar to get new XF coupe/roadster, still no SUVs

Posted Mon Nov 10 2008 10:34 AM by Kenneth Hall

A Jaguar SUV was ruled because of fears it would steal sales from Land Rover

For years, SUVs were seen as a sure-fire way for carmakers to boost sales in the North American market but lately there has been a movement away from such vehicles to smaller and more fuel-efficient models. Despite this, many carmakers still consider the SUV a crucial addition to their lineups, but the CEO of Jaguar’s parent company, Tata Motors, has ruled out adding a luxury off-roader to the British carmaker’s portfolio. In addition, a new coupe/roadster based on the XF sedan and a lightweight sports car are receiving "very serious consideration."

Tata boss Ratan Tata has revealed that Jaguar’s future lineup will feature more sports cars and saloons but definitely no SUV, reports Automotive News. His reasoning is that a Jaguar SUV would steal sales from its sister company Land Rover, which solely produces off-road models.

Instead, Jaguar’s immediate future will see the plans of former parent Ford carried out. These include the launch of the facelifted XK range next year, a new range topping XKR-R model, and the next-generation XJ saloon in late 2010.

Beyond that, Tata has revealed plans for a new lightweight sports car to rival the likes of the Porsche 911, and late last month registration details for several Jaguar trademarks revealed the names C-XE and XE, which suggest the new sports car will be called the XE and a concept version the C-XE. All of these newer models will be targeted at taking the Jaguar brand further up-market.

Both coupe and roadster versions of the XF are believed to be in the works as well, meaning Jaguar could soon have an essentially all-new lineup to offer buyers.

Despite Tata’s reluctance to develop a Jaguar SUV, a number of rival carmakers are keen to expand their respective lineups with bigger and more powerful off-road models. Alfa Romeo’s boss Luca de Meo has pointed out on a number of occasions that the company needs an SUV model to be successful in the United States, and BMW is currently preparing two new performance M models based on its X5 and X6 SUVs.

Reader Comments

Wed Oct 22 2008 2:33 PM
NoNameDenton says

Good thinking, leave the SUVs to Land Rover, but bring on some wagons
Wed Oct 22 2008 8:36 PM
LDMAN says

On a purely emotional level, Jaguar should never offer an SUV.
Then again, Cayenne is the car that really made money for Porsche. Anyway, with the job cuts and recession there probably is not any money left to start this project.
Wed Oct 22 2008 8:43 PM
NoNameDenton says

But since Jag is shared with Land Rover, no point
Mon Nov 10 2008 2:46 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says

Wow, A sports car company that makes sports cars? Holy shit!!

Pardon me while I go celebrate............

I'm back, this is great news I remember a speech four years ago in Long Beach on the Queen Mary given by a Ford placed marketing executive (cant remember his name right now) within Jagaur and he stated the following.

1. What makes Jaguar good and unique is that its a sports car company that focuses on saloons.

2. He was learning about Jaguar and British culture by reading the biography of Winston Churchill by Roy Jenkins.

Well its safe to say that dope lasted six short months and went back to run Fords SVT department which under his direction now currently produces no cars what so ever!!!

Once again this is great that Jaguar no longer has to listen to uncle Ford. Whats next, Jaguar back at LeMans?
Mon Nov 10 2008 4:14 PM
NaBUru38 says

"[tata's] reasoning is that a Jaguar SUV would steal sales from its sister company Land Rover, which solely produces off-road models."

Indians can't be that dumb, huh? :D

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