REPORT: Tata green-lights LRX and Jag sportscar
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. 
Gallery: Jaguar F-Type Concept
[Source: 4Car]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave T. 10:38AM (4/03/2008)
I didn't think Tata even took control of the two companies until June. How are they making executive decisions already?
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Dude 11:08AM (4/03/2008)
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 10:39AM (4/03/2008)
Excellent news. I just hope they don't end up having to tone down the designs too much for production
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Mr. Oak 10:50AM (4/03/2008)
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.
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john 10:58AM (4/03/2008)
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.
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VTFootball 11:07AM (4/03/2008)
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.
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dildomassive 11:12AM (4/03/2008)
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.
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chrisdavis 11:16AM (4/03/2008)
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.
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Alex 2:13PM (4/03/2008)
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 11:21AM (4/03/2008)
Since cows are sacred to Hindus, I wonder if the Indians order their Jags and Rovers with leather upholstery?
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KAD 12:26PM (4/03/2008)
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 11:51AM (4/03/2008)
Thats great news, I hope XE design ends up more aggresive than F-type concept
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iSpec 12:24PM (4/03/2008)
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.
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xkr 9:10PM (4/03/2008)
Well said iSpec & Jag
RG 12:25PM (4/03/2008)
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.
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JAG 12:55PM (4/03/2008)
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.
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Disgruntled Goat 1:28PM (4/03/2008)
So now Tata is building the Ford Flex?
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Zane 4:51PM (4/03/2008)
".....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 4:52PM (4/03/2008)
WTF? That reply was meant to slot under Alex's post. AB editors, please fix the bloody reply system.
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