Click on images to view the LRX and F-Type concepts in hi-res
Tata may have spent a huge sum of money in the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford's Premier Automotive Group, but that won't stop the Indian automaker from approving funding for new projects for its newly-acquired babies.
Among the new vehicles for which Tata has reportedly already given the green light are the Jaguar XE and Land Rover LRX. As we previously reported, the sports car known internally as the XE or F-Type will target the likes of the Porsche 911 and face competition from the upcoming Maserati sportscar in 2012 when it is anticipated to hit the market. Around the same time, Land Rover is expected to bring the LRX to market and produce the sporty ute at Land Rover's plant in Halewood, England. Despite the shift in ownership, the vehicles are tipped to still be produced in the UK, although a large government contract to supply India's armed forces with Land Rover Defenders could result in local manufacturing of that utility vehicle on the subcontinent. 
[Source: 4Car]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave T. @ Apr 3rd 2008 10:38AM
I didn't think Tata even took control of the two companies until June. How are they making executive decisions already?
Dude @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:08AM
Because, they control the future of both companies.
These products will take years to get into production. You can't expect these companies to just sit on their hands for the next two months waiting for the official transfer of ownership. They've got work to do, no matter who is cutting the check.
Ssco @ Apr 3rd 2008 10:39AM
Excellent news. I just hope they don't end up having to tone down the designs too much for production
Mr. Oak @ Apr 3rd 2008 10:50AM
Well, I would rather see Jaguar go down swinging, than not trying at all. Save the XF, I call their efforts of the last five years not trying at all. Even the XF, once the shine comes off, will come across as a bit stogdy.
Saw the LRX at the NY Auto Show, it was quite nice. Useless when it comes to "utility", but quite nice. Sort of reminds me of an expensive interpretation of the Dodge Magnum.
john @ Apr 3rd 2008 10:58AM
Hooray! I can finally upgrade from my E-Type.
I was dreading the Tata takeover, but if they keep this up I'm fine with it.
VTFootball @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:07AM
Even though they do not have full control Tata still can give some executive decisions because a deal like this has been being discussed for years. Tata could back out if they don't do what Tata wants.
dildomassive @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:12AM
excellent news. Now just price the F-Type i the 30 000 dollars marks and you got 3 sales from me. 1 for me, 1 for my princess and one for track days.
chrisdavis @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:16AM
The F-type has a long way to go. I know the concept is nearly eight years old now, but it's way too conservative and unfinished to have much influence on a successful sports car today.
Alex @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:13PM
FTA: "the sports car known internally as the XE or F-Type will target the likes of the Porsche 911 and face competition from the upcoming Maserati sportscar"
I'm thinking this will be priced more in the $90k segment. This is not going to be a small XK. The XK is a grand tourer the F-Type will be a hard core sports car like a 911 or Corvette.
Everyone keeps throwing around the picture of the 2000 F-Type concept but i doubt much of that car will make it into the new one. That design is 8 years old now. Jaguar has shifter gears since then. The design may still take cues from the XK and E-Type but from everything i have read and heard it sounds like Ian is moving the design team away from retro and is looking to create the next iconic Jaguar, not just ape an old one.
halogenrepublic @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:21AM
Since cows are sacred to Hindus, I wonder if the Indians order their Jags and Rovers with leather upholstery?
KAD @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:26PM
Golly gee that's a great point. You know I was wondering something similar. Since Christians are supposed to observe the Sabbath, how do American's run NASCAR races and Monster Truck pulls on any given Sunday?? Just sayin....
xkr @ Apr 3rd 2008 11:51AM
Thats great news, I hope XE design ends up more aggresive than F-type concept
iSpec @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:24PM
You're gonna see Tata display to the world that they indeed 'have a pair' and they're gonna pull the trigger on a lot of products that are in the pipeline. This company wants in any way they can.
xkr @ Apr 3rd 2008 9:10PM
Well said iSpec & Jag
RG @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:25PM
The sports car concept sounds appealing, but the price point leaves a little to be desired. It seems a little close to the XK and I really think the F-type would be better serves farther down market. Not $30k down market, but a competitor in the Cayman, M Coupe, SLK, TT-RS market.
JAG @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:55PM
TATA is going to treat the " 2 brands" with more respect than the Ford bean counters. For them is an achievment to aquire them instead of being one more product line in a multi national. Good for Jaguar and LR bad for Ford.
Disgruntled Goat @ Apr 3rd 2008 1:28PM
So now Tata is building the Ford Flex?
Zane @ Apr 3rd 2008 4:51PM
".....will be a hard core sports car like a 911 or Corvette."
Since when did the 997 become "hardcore"? AFAIK, they're cozy machines for old blokes who want a bit more showoff than a Corvette. Yes, the GT3/RS/GT2 are for track enthusiasts but how many of the 3 do you see on roads everyday?
I really hope Jag gives us a proper hardcore version to compete with beefed-up CaymanSes and such.
Zane @ Apr 3rd 2008 4:52PM
WTF? That reply was meant to slot under Alex's post. AB editors, please fix the bloody reply system.