As we've reported previously, Jaguar isn't waiting around to see how its future unfolds to move ahead with new product development. We've seen spy shots of the next flagship XJ sedan, and heard rumors of a new sportscar to rival the Porsche 911. Emerging reports now suggest that Jaguar executives have begun coordinating with their bosses-to-be at Tata over several intriguing new models.
Although Tata is not in a position to sign off on the development of new models at this point, it reportedly received the sportscar project with the most enthusiasm. While executives reportedly favor basing the Porsche rival off the XF's steel chassis, Coventry engineers are pushing to modify the XJ's aluminum platform; the engine bay would be able to accommodate both V6 and V8 engines. Jaguar also presented its hosts with plans to lop off two doors and a couple of inches of roofline from the new XF sedan to make a coupe version, although a convertible variant was ruled out. Lastly, and perhaps most dramatically, a plan was presented to lengthen the XK coupe and add two more doors to build its own rival for former corporate cousin Aston Martin's upcoming Rapide. This last development contradicts earlier reports that suggested the next XJ sedan would adopt the four-door-coupe approach, offering instead that the new XJ would include more interior space than the model it replaces.
[Source: Just-Auto.com – sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado @ Feb 6th 2008 8:38AM
Ford seems to be selling Jaguar at the wrong time. With all these potentially hot cars Jaguar could easily be a contender in the luxury segment again.
993C4S @ Feb 6th 2008 8:39AM
Jaguar sure is putting a lot on their plate. I like how it's reported they "received the sports car project with the most enthusiasm". It would be great to see Jag get back to some of their old racing heritage and compete with Porsche and others on the track.
http://993c4s.com/wordpress/?p=42
Ligor @ Feb 6th 2008 8:40AM
that may look like that, but Ford has to focus on it's core brands,
there is no reason Lincoln has to be second class, once Jag is gone, they can turn Lincoln around like GM did with Caddy
Mercury Fan Forever @ Feb 6th 2008 8:45AM
Ford may be able to turn Lincoln around, but it will never be able to really compete with Cadillac.
Because these days Lincoln is the type of luxury Mercury should be, so I don't think Lincoln will ever be able to really go head to head with Cadillac
Alex @ Feb 6th 2008 8:50AM
If Ford held on to Jaguar we would never see any of these concepts simply because Ford does not have the cash to fund such projects.
Tata on the other hand has wads of cash and a strong desire to prove to the global auto industry that an Indian company can be not only a global player but a veritable powerhouse.
993C4S @ Feb 6th 2008 9:18AM
+1
Rashid @ Feb 6th 2008 11:57AM
Let's just open these developments and see what happens..
andre lavoie @ Feb 6th 2008 1:24PM
I sure hope adding two more doors dont ruin the look of the XK. Personally speaking, im not sure about the conversion of coupes into sedans. Why not come out with a new car that is based on the coupes platform? That way, each car has a more unique feel and identity.
adrian @ Feb 6th 2008 2:20PM
What's the point of a 2 door XF, when they have the XK. What's the point of an 4 door XK,when they have the XF. Seems like a waste of time and money, that could be invested elsewhere. No wonder there losing money.
DIRETTORE @ Feb 6th 2008 8:27PM
*** Check it out!
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/203534/supercat_on_prowl.html