click above for more high-res images of the Jaguar F-Type Concept
It's full speed ahead for Jaguar, which seems determined not to miss a single beat even as it prepares to switch ownership from Ford to Tata. As if an all-new XJ flagship sedan weren't enough to keep the transitioning British automaker busy, rumors are now circulating that Jaguar is preparing a proper sportscar, more hardcore than the XK grand tourer.
You may recognize the image above as the F-Type roadster that Jaguar unveiled to rave reviews at the Detroit show in 2000. Unfortunately, Jag's lagging sales – and the Aston Martin ceiling – forced Ford PAG to cancel the program, but Jaguar is reportedly preparing to present the case to its new owners. However, while the F-Type would have competed with the Porsche Boxster, Jaguar is said to have its sight set on the elusive benchmark of the Porsche 911 for its newest sportscar.
[Source: The Sun]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John R @ Jan 29th 2008 2:34PM
Talk about priorities. Shouldn't Jag be concentrating make a car that can at least be spoken in the same breath as the 3-series and G35?
Christian @ Jan 29th 2008 3:16PM
How about: "The XK is a sublime automobile that makes both the G35/7 and the 3-series look like uglier and less desirable also-rans."
Temple @ Jan 29th 2008 4:05PM
Exactly right, the priorities of Jaguar should be their entry-level vehicle; the X-type is seriously uncompetitive. The Jaguar arm of PAG is losing half a billion each year, as much as the enthusiast in me would love to see a E-type revival, it needs to invest first in their core vehicles. I guess Ford plans to sell them to Nasser's Equity one, TaTa, or Mahindra so its not their problem anymore.
JD @ Jan 29th 2008 7:01PM
Um, the XK is their ~$70k coupe/roadster. That's not the 3 series or the G37. If you meant to talk about the X-type, you must be joking. Ford took a Contour platform, added drive to the rear wheels, and called it good. Who exactly said that? I would take a 3 series, G37, and many other cars, then an Xtype.
John R @ Jan 29th 2008 2:35PM
that should be "on making a car..."
Tim @ Jan 29th 2008 2:37PM
how many times have we seen this picture and heard this rumour over the last 5-10 years? seriously, somebody tell me
naggs @ Jan 29th 2008 2:39PM
seriously, it seems like once every 6 months
L.Wood @ Jan 29th 2008 2:43PM
They must be smoking some kind of illegal substance at Jaguar. When was the last time they showed a profit? Apparently that does not matter because they continue to roll out these pie-in-the-sky proposals that come to nothing. Even if they build the car it comes to nothing - as in no profit.
notMe @ Jan 29th 2008 2:57PM
is it me, or the front looks alot like the portguese 'vinci gt'?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpFORry_jms
Frylock350 @ Jan 29th 2008 2:59PM
911 Elusive? Hasn't Corvette completely overpowered it on all performance levels?
That said Jag should focus on being sold back to a real automotive company.
Alex @ Jan 29th 2008 3:42PM
What? TATA is the LARGEST automotive manufacturer in India. They may not be FIAT, GM, or Toyota but they are certainly a "real automotive company".
TATA is exactly the company Jaguar needs. TATA wants to show the world it can compete in the global market, what better way to show off that ability than to bring Jaguar out for the depths?
Zane @ Jan 29th 2008 5:51PM
Out for OR "out of"? :)
Alex @ Jan 29th 2008 3:37PM
I think this is great news. Jaguar needs to diversify to get back into the black. Making a vehicle that can run with the A4, 3 Series, C Series cars of the world is not where they should focus their energies. The biggest reason being that market is too competitive.
They should get to work on both a 911 AND a Boxster fighter. Jaguar is still seen as a pedigree sports car manufacturer. They just need to produce more than just the grand touring XK. There is no clear winner in the 911/DB9/360 (granted the ZR-1 is a monster) arena or the Boxster/TT/Z4 cage. It makes sense to enter into the fights where the playing field is more level; as opposed to ones where one car is the outright dominant leader (3 Series).
The new XK is incredible and has received nothing but rave reviews. The XF will do very well despite its odd Sebring-esq headlights. A redesigned XJ - that is supposedly a more aggressive take on the XF Concept - will be a show-stopper and a street sensation. Throw in a true sports car and a roadster and there will be a groundswell of enthusiasm for Jaguars rejuvenation.
/unabashed Jaguar enthusiast.
Zane @ Jan 29th 2008 5:57PM
I might be mistaken but shouldn't the V8 Vantage be clubbed with the 911? The DB9 is more of a GT car. And what's the 360 doing in there? The 360 has long been replaced by the F430.
nardi @ Jan 29th 2008 3:50PM
--911 Elusive? Hasn't Corvette completely overpowered it on all performance levels?---
All except: build quality, ride quality, desirability, styling, interior quality and day to day livability.
I'm not the biggest fan of the 911 but there are not many cars that are all round as good as it, tough act to follow, I'd love to see Jag have a go though.
captainslow @ Jan 30th 2008 1:15AM
agreed
Smeagle @ Jan 30th 2008 6:15AM
Couldn't have said it better myself. I agree with everything you said about both the corvette and the porsche.
Everett @ Jan 29th 2008 3:57PM
I can understand the game that Corvette brings on paper, but I can't get past the cheese-ball/Chachi stereotype of those who drive them...I'll take the 'boy racer' aura of the GT-R any day.
akatsuki @ Jan 29th 2008 4:11PM
A Boxster level car would be superior in many ways to a 911 car. It would be more exciting, sell more, and would not overlap with the XK in any way.
Also a nice, flexible RWD layout could then go on and be used for sedans (a la Infiniti).
The problem being that if they just come out with an average roadster that isn't drop, dead sexy, then people who want a roadster will either get the Porsche or an SLK or something.
Richard @ Jan 29th 2008 4:21PM
I think that Jaguar needs to concentrate on being upscale, unique cars competing more directly against Lexus (softer, more luxurious) than the Germans. Jag should resist the temptation to stick aluminum ("aluminium") applique on their dashes and concentrate on wood, leather and wool (yes, wool) as the touch surfaces of their interiors. There isn't much more sophisticated than a high-tech interior with old world luxury appointments as ONLY the Brits can do.
I hope Jag continues to make cars that are both feline and feminine in nature - stuffed with all the high-tech goodness and great handling - but more like a living animal and less like an appliance in nature....ergo, the wood, leather and wool.