Jaguar turns to Lotus for development of new XE
Click above to view the 2000 Jaguar F-Type concept in high resolution
According to recent reports, Lotus has its hands filled with more than just Kia. Jaguar is supposedly outsourcing some of the initial development of its anticipated upcoming sportscar to Lotus Engineering. The two British marques, both owned by Asian automakers based just across the Bay of Bengal from each other, recently collaborated on the suspension tuning for the latest Jaguar XKR. But Lotus' involvement in the project, tentatively known as the XE, may be more involved, with Jaguar entrusting Lotus to assess production feasibility before the go-ahead is given and possibly producing the car at its Hethel plant if approved.
If Jaguar and Lotus undertake the partnership to produce the XE, sources suggest a potential debut at the 2011 Geneva show, but it's far too early to tell at this point. Adding another level of intrigue to the debate over what form Jaguar's new sportscar could take, the report suggests that outsourcing the production of a mid-engine supercar was also considered. The plot thickens.
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kitko 9:30AM (2/09/2009)
In other words, Indian TATA turns to Malaysian Proton... Now, interestingly, Lotus was once owned by General Motors....
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The Doctor 10:25AM (2/09/2009)
True, because all the engineering is now done in those countries...
Kitko 11:48AM (2/09/2009)
Doctor,
that was supposed to be a joke. See, Rolls-Royces and Minis are being, at least in Britain, hailed as examples of great classic British engineering.... Isn't there a Toyota engine in an Elise?
Quattroporte 10:06AM (2/09/2009)
"Now, interestingly, Lotus was once owned by General Motors...."
That little expenditure should have shown that GM was incapable of, or at least didn't understand, European "niche" brands. Making a front wheel drive Lotus, that was just plain stupid. If my memory is correct, Lotus planned on making the second Elan rear drive with a Toyota engine, but GM intervened. Instead, it ended up with a transversely mounted Isuzu engine up front. And then there's Saab...
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Allen 10:44AM (2/09/2009)
Logisitcs about company loactions aside, this sounds like a great venture. Lotus is highly regarded as a chassis manufacturer while Jaguar can design a beautiful shell and interior. If the new Jag V8 is as good as they say, then this car could be a real winner.
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Terry 12:56PM (2/09/2009)
I agree. I think both companies stand to gain a lot from this venture, as well as the potential buyers of this XE model.
Alex 11:10AM (2/09/2009)
*THIS* is an exciting joint venture.
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preeti.techyolk 12:36PM (2/09/2009)
Very interesting post......
http://autocrunch.com/buyer-impasse-to-buy-a-new-car-or-a-home/
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Other Man 5:03PM (2/09/2009)
Ooo, now this could get interesting...
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inline6 5:26PM (2/09/2009)
I think that Proton should buy Saab. From a financial stability standpoint, it might not work. But I can't help but smile at the thought of Lotus-tuned Saabs and Saab engined Lotuses. Together, they could do Proton's line of gussied-up older cars a whole lot of good. With their powers combined, imagine the possibilities.
But that's just me.
Jaguar and Lotus would be a great matchup. Jaguar has managed to make its offerings lighter than the competition's due to their advanced construction. Which is perfect for Lotus's engineering ethos. Match made in heaven for a small Jaguar sports roadster. I'm excited.
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P.V. 6:53PM (2/09/2009)
What's up with the doggy-ears?
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