2003 Jaguar RD6 Concept
2000 Jaguar F-type
2010 Jaguar XJ Sedan
The proliferation of not-quite-hatchbacks and not-wagons epitomized by the BMW 5-series GT and Audi A5 Sportback is about to grow, according to a new report out of Jaguar. The car, termed a "five-door coupe" is currently code-named RD7 and is being called an evolution of the RD6 concept.
The RD6 concept (pictured), unveiled in 2003, featured a decidedly Jaguar nose, sculpted hind quarters somewhat reminiscent of the Volvo C30, and no B-pillar thanks to suicide rear doors for a very open cockpit. It was also powered by a diesel engine, a trait the production car is likely to share. Some of the features, including the front clip, can be expected to be replaced by the modern Jaguar look as exhibited on the 2010 XF and all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ sedan.
The RD7 is expected to be built on a slightly scaled-down version of the XF's platform, so the existing range of engines that power that car could also see application in the five-door coupe. Don't expect to see the RD7 on the roads anytime soon, however, as Jaguar's XE is due next according to the report.
That car, Jaguar's return to its sports car heritage, is expected to be reminiscent of the F-Type Concept, and will come in both coupe and roadster body styles with the Porsche Boxster and Cayman and Lotus Evora as its primary performance targets.
The XE isn't expected to be on the road until 2013, pushing the RD7 out to 2014 at the earliest.
