Rumormill: Jaguar aims at R8 with new mid-engine supercar
Click above to view the 2000 Jaguar F-Type concept in high resolution
Reports from across the pond regarding Jaguar's plans for a new supercar are coming out of the woodwork, but while Autocar contends that Jag is (still) working on the return of the F-type, AutoExpress reports that an all-new mid-engine supercar is coming in concept form within the next year.
While under Ford PAG management, Jaguar cut back its development projects to its core products, but Tata figures there's more than one way to skin a cat. The F-Type was first shown as a concept car in 2000, but was subsequently shelved. However, under Tata's leadership more niche vehicles like the F-Type, which could hit the market by 2011, could make Jaguar a more compelling alternative brand to the big German automakers and help buoy Jaguar's image.
Back in 2001, Jaguar unveiled the R-Coupe concept, which could influence this new Audi R8 competitor. Based on the current XK, and possibly named the XE, the mid-engine coupe would be powered by the XFR's 503-hp supercharged, 5.0-liter V8 and would be the first vehicle from Jag with an engine mounted amidships since the XJ220. According to Jaguar's managing director, Mike O'Driscoll, the "XK is the car that began a revolution for us, but it's not the end of the story. I firmly believe the best car we could build to compliment this is a flagship coupe." If it does come to fruition, expect the XE to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010.
Gallery: Jaguar F-Type Concept
[Source: Autocar, AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
alex 1:12PM (1/14/2009)
so why are the mirrors on the roof?
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letstakeawalk 1:29PM (1/14/2009)
Likely because it's just a concept car styling exercise.
From a practical point of view, if they were mounted in the typical location at the base of the A-pillar, you'd have an amazing view of the rear quarter panel.
Mobius_1 3:38PM (1/14/2009)
It's a Jaguar that thinks it's a bunny.
Kattleox 5:23PM (1/14/2009)
And why don't companies mount the mirrors on the front fenders any more? Pagani does, but I cant think of any other car company which does such.
Jj 1:13PM (1/14/2009)
The mid engined model could be cool, but I'm more excited about the possibility of a production version of the F-Type Concept.
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Richard 3:12PM (1/14/2009)
+1!
Hopefully they mean (front) mid-engine where the motor is mounted behind the centerline of the front wheels. Otherwise I won't really be a Jaguar...will it.
AC0 3:41PM (1/15/2009)
Nah, they should do the XK180 instead... like the F-type, just slightly better.
Michael 1:16PM (1/14/2009)
Not with that thing.
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zamafir 1:42PM (1/14/2009)
Well, or anything. What engine are we talking? What platform? There's a reason the R8 is doing well, it's the best driving car Audi's produced, it looks great, and it's unrivaled inside by anything mid engined - and most importantly, No one's doing economies of scale and platform sharing like VAG right now, it's one of the reasons they're doing alright even given the current climate.
I'm not going to hold my breath on this one. Yes, Tata did have lots of cash pre the nano debacle and current economic climate, now.. well it'll be interesting to see if this thing is a 911 beater like the R8.
Js 1:19PM (1/14/2009)
Honestly, they should build the F-type to look just like this concept. Even offer a hardcore version with no roof and the mirrors way up high. Do it Jag. Your free from Ford and Aston, bring back the XJ220 days... ( I still want one of those )
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Mike C. 1:23PM (1/14/2009)
This isn't gonna hurt the R8, because the R8 is just too beautiful.
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Red 2:00PM (1/14/2009)
Two words: Ian Callum...
Yaroukh 2:26PM (1/14/2009)
@Red: two words: current XK
xpolarx 1:25PM (1/14/2009)
I like the ass-end, but there's something about the face that just doesn't do it for me.
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Fara 1:30PM (1/14/2009)
My spontanious reaction was "ooooh, I like it". So far, i haven't been digging the latest jags (unlike what seems to be everyone else). The XK is ho-hum looking and the XF looks korean. But this looks awesome, even with the puppy-dog-ear mirros.
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Wheatstraw 1:40PM (1/14/2009)
http://flickr.com/photos/properpictures/2932935722/in/set-72157607938085752/
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BoxerFanatic 1:45PM (1/14/2009)
THIS IS AN OLD PICTURE, of the JAG F-type concept, from many years ago, and a whole different overlord.
Why not put up a picture of what this REALLY could be...
XJ13 anyone?
XJR15 with better styling?
XJ220 was more famous than the XJR15, but the XJ220 looked like it was squashed flat as a pancake.
IF they can build a supercharged V8 longitudinal-layout Mid-engined car that looks like a modernized XJ13, that would be SO hot.
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JZeke 2:18PM (1/14/2009)
Its nice they want to go R8 baiting, but they hardly have mid-engined expertise at this point. More importantly they don't have a platform to borrow from to gain expertise on. I'll bet if they do introduce a two-seater it will be competition for a Boxster - and very likely front engined.
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LDMAN 4:57PM (1/14/2009)
You are right. Competing with Porsche was what F-Type was supposed to be all about but the cost of having a mid-ship engine set up killed the project.
Pyronick 2:59PM (1/14/2009)
I'm a total Audi- and tech nut, and since the R8 is the pinnacle of VAG technology it's safe to say that it is my favorite car.
But I really like how the Jaguar marque is returning, they ought to reinaugurate Jaguar Racing F1!
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