Autoblog

Jaguar's Callum refutes two XJ bodystyle rumor

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Jaguar, Design/Style, Luxury

Not long ago, we relayed word from Edmunds that Jaguar was planning to split its next-generation XJ sedan into two bodystyles - one model that continued the ambitious design approach fostered with the current X351-based model, and another, more upright model to better appeal to China's conservative design sensibilities.

We expressed some cynicism in the idea, noting that such a strategy "might catch more profits for the marque, but it might also represent a setback to design head Ian Callum's vision for a thoroughly modern Jaguar portfolio." Callum has been quite insistent in his belief that Jag needs to be a forward-thinking brand in terms of design, and the two-model strategy seemed to conflict with that idea. We tried to get some comment from Callum at that time, but were unable to reach him.

As it turns out, our skepticism was well-placed. Autocar says that while the next XJ will continue to have two wheelbases, Callum has denied the two-model talk, saying flatly: "I can't see us doing two bodystyles. The cost would be enormous and the message inconsistent. You have to believe in what you produce and to do two bodystyles would undermine that."

Jaguar's Callum refutes two XJ bodystyle rumor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar planning two bodystyles for next XJ

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Jaguar, Design/Style, Luxury

As we alluded to in today's F-Type first drive, Jaguar hasn't been selling its wares in China for very long, and as a result, buyers there usually don't have the same appreciation for the brand's history. So you might reasonably think that the company's recent radical styling shift (kicked off by the 2008 XF) wouldn't be as jarring to the nation's buying populace since they really didn't have the automaker's more traditionally styled models from years past to compare them against.

Yet while Jaguar and its sister marque, Land Rover, continue to pick up steam in China's developing market, that apparently isn't necessarily the case. Local buyers there tend to have more conservative tastes when it comes to styling, preferring more upright dimensions, big back seats and larger quantities of traditional luxury materials (think: chrome and wood) than other markets currently find desirable. Thus, the very bold current-generation XJ sedan may be leaving some sales on the table.

According to Edmunds, Jag doesn't want to risk that, and as such, it is preparing two bodystyles for the next-generation XJ - one with the rakish coupe-like styling of the current model, and a more "old-school" three-box sedan designed to appeal to a wider swath of Chinese buyers.

Given that Jaguar's small size means that nearly every model it generates must play worldwide today (with exceptions made for variants like the XF Sportbrake, which hasn't been engineered to global crash standards), it's reasonable to question whether Jag might offer both XJ bodystyles here in North America - perhaps in a tiered scheme like the Audi A8 and A7. That strategy might catch more profits for the marque, but it might also represent a setback to design head Ian Callum's vision for a thoroughly modern Jaguar portfolio.

Jaguar planning two bodystyles for next XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar hints at what might become of XK after F-Type's arrival

Zach Bowman — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar may move the company's XK further upmarket following the introduction of its forthcoming F-Type. The newcomer to the range easily shoulders the burden of carrying the Jaguar sportscar mantle, freeing up the XK to evolve in another direction. While speaking with Autocar, Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum said there's an opportunity to grow the grand tourer both in size and luxury.

Whether that means the vehicle will retain its two-plus-two seating configuration or swell to offer buyers even more space remains to be seen. Either way, the future will likely see the XK soften its claws moving forward. And that's no bad thing. Jaguar has a long history of building luxurious grand tourers more content to soak up miles of highway than bounce from apex to apex.

What else is in store for the brand? Callum seems to have kept his cards close to his chest, refusing to acknowledge ongoing rumors of a Jaguar crossover beyond saying the brand "had to take notice" of the popularity of the luxury SUV market.

Jaguar hints at what might become of XK after F-Type's arrival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar designs seductive speedboat concept

Chris Tutor — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Jaguar, Design/Style

As if Jaguar needed to wow us further with beautiful design, Ian Callum has gone and commissioned a 20-foot watercraft as slick as the company's new F-Type sports car and far more unattainable.

The Brits say they created The Concept Speedboat to complement and accompany the newly introduced XF Sportbrake, and it appears that they've done a fine job of it.

"We recognise that both our existing and future customers enjoy diverse and active lifestyles," says Callum. "With the launch of the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake, we had an opportunity to create a vision of how our design philosophy might be applied to an alternative product, in which speed and beauty are also priorities. The Concept Speedboat looks powerful. It follows, in so many ways, the idea of a traditional speedboat but with the sleek and fast characteristics that you would expect from a Jaguar Car."

The beautifully built boat, conceived in concert with Seventy Seven Design and Ivan Erdevicki Naval Architecture & Yacht Design Inc., is composed of a fiberglass hull finished with a teak deck. The prominent carbon fiber fin that reminds us of the company's legendary D-Type is particularly nice work. The familiar jungle cat badge leaps off the back deck and the fuel filler caps were inspired by the Series 1 XJ.

Just as the XF Sportbrake goes a long way toward convincing the masses that wagons can be cool, the Concept Speedboat could turn us into boat-loving seafarers. Unfortunately, Jaguar admits it "has no plans to build or commercialise a boat of any kind." And, sadly, the press release seems to indicate that this concept might not even be seaworthy, as it notes that the boat's polished aluminum propeller "imitates how the boat could be powered..." No matter. The only way we were getting on one was as stowaways, anyway.

Continue reading Jaguar designs seductive speedboat concept

Jaguar designs seductive speedboat concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar Land Rover to build design studios in US, China

Chris Tutor — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Jaguar, Land Rover, UK, Design/Style, Luxury

To better get a feel for the tastes of its customers, Jaguar Land Rover has decided to open design studios in the US and China, Jag design chief Ian Callum tells Automotive News Europe. US and Chinese sales rank second and third behind the UK for the Jaguar Land Rover group.

"We are going to go out there to get a feeling for what the market is and what people like," Callum says.

Despite the desire to become engrossed in local flavor, Callum reassures that design at the two brands will remain British.

"We will never design a car around another culture," he says, "but we will certainly build into that vehicle certain national tastes for that market."

Our own Zach Bowman recently referred to the F-Type as "sultry" and a few other things we couldn't print for a mixed-age audience. If Callum and JLR can improve on something that gorgeously covetable, consider us onboard.

Jaguar Land Rover to build design studios in US, China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar F-Type heralds return of first new sports car for Leaping Cat in 50 years [UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Design/Style

"We're not worshipping the ashes of our ancestors here."

Jaguar finally has its much anticipated - and much leaked - new sports car. Revealed at the Musée Rodin Museumin Paris ahead of the Paris Motor Show, the rakish convertible picks up the long-dormant mantle of the legendary E-Type, but it isn't a retro-retread. Autoblog was invited to England earlier this month for a hush-hush preview of the F-Type, where Jaguar Vehicle Line Director Ian Hoben assured us that "We're not worshipping the ashes of our ancestors here." While Jag has offered the larger XK grand tourer for years, it hasn't really fielded a new sports car in 50 years. And as Hoben points out, "For us not to be there [the segment] seems as wrong as Ferrari or Porsche not building sports cars."

The new all-aluminum F-Type is a strict two-seat affair, none of the leather-wrapped and seatbelt-equipped parcel shelves of the XK here. Available in three trims, F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type V8 S, the baby Jag will offer one of three powertrains, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 (380 hp / 339 lb-ft.), or a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 (495 hp / 460 lb-ft). The sole transmission at launch will be ZF's ubiquitous eight-speed automatic, with paddles and a more conventional gearshift lever in favor of the rotary selector of recent fame. Jag won't confirm it, but we suspect a manual transmission will be made available in a year's time, possibly on a harder-core R model. In its top specification, Jag promises a 0-60 dash of 4.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 186 mph. The mid-level V6 S does the deed in 4.8 seconds and taps out at 171 mph, while the 'base' F-Type still runs to 60 in 5.1 seconds and hits a 161-mph vMax. While we have yet to drive them, we have heard the new cars fire up and under power, as the Brits say, they sound "right cracking."

Continue reading Jaguar F-Type heralds return of first new sports car for Leaping Cat in 50 years [UPDATE]

Jaguar F-Type heralds return of first new sports car for Leaping Cat in 50 years [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Design chief Callum says he'd like a Jaguar city car

Noah Joseph — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Jaguar, UK, Design/Style, Luxury

When we think of British automobiles, they tend to land in one of two extremes: big luxury vehicles from Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Range Rover on the one hand, and Mini on the other. Both extremes are quintessentially British, but if any company can bridge that divide, it's Jaguar.

The Coventry marque makes vehicles of various sizes, and if its design chief has his way, it could branch southwards into the city car segment. Speaking with Britain's What Car? magazine, Ian Callum expressed his viewpoint that a properly high-end small hatchback, coupe or sedan could anchor the shallow end of the company's lineup, though he did qualify that his was a "personal view."

In that respect, any such car would be following in the footsteps of former sister-company and longtime rival Aston Martin - whose DB7, Vanquish and Vantage were also designed by Callum - which recently teamed up with Toyota to offer the Cygnet city car. As long as Callum doesn't envision a Tata Nano with a Leaping Cat on the hood, we'll wait and see how this turns out.

Design chief Callum says he'd like a Jaguar city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Jaguar C-X75 concept

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Jaguar, Celebrities

Jay Leno drives the Jaguar CX75 Concept - Click above to watch video after the jump

Here's another feather for Jay Leno's cap. The Tonight Show host can officially say that he is one of only a handful of drivers to have slipped their way behind the wheel of the amazing Jaguar C-X75 concept from this year's Paris Motor Show. Penned by design guru Ian Callum, the supercar is as sexy as it is advanced. The vehicle gets its power from a quartet of electric motors that are good for 195 horsepower each. Throw in two small turbine engines for generating power and you've got one very unconventional extended-range hybrid.

The C-X75 was designed to celebrate the Leaping Cat's diamond anniversary, and as such, the company pulled all the stops. With a design that pulls from the most successful points in Jaguar history, the car is nothing short of gorgeous. Will it make it to production? We're not sure, but for the moment, you can hit the jump to watch Leno take it all in - and don't forget to watch for an appearance by Callum, too.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: YouTube via Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Jaguar C-X75 concept

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the Jaguar C-X75 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Videos, Jaguar, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Luxury

Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery. Follow the jump to watch video.

The Jaguar XKR175 isn't the only special kitty making its debut out in Monterey. Jag's new limited-production coupe is joined by the one-off XJ75 Platinum concept created to honor of the brand's 75th anniversary. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance attendees will find it parked on the Concept Car Lawn.

Pearlescent white paint provides a stark contrast to the big saloon's blacked-out grille, D-pillar, and custom 22-inch wheels. Inside, black leather seats get quilted, diamond-stitch suede inserts. The same material also adorns the headliner. Additional glitz comes courtesy of the Bremont Watch Company, which is responsible for the bespoke clock installed in the XJ75's console.

If the 470-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 doesn't provide enough entertainment, the XJ75 Platinum also features a 1,200-watt, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Check out both the official photos and live pictures in high-res galleries below or follow the jump for video walkaround by Jaguar design Boss Ian Callum.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept

Gallery: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video]

Monterey 2010: Jaguar XJ75 Platinum concept marks 75 years of The Cat [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat

Chris Paukert — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a long time, worrying about Jaguar was the only sensible thing to do. While it was never exactly clear if the marque had (ever) achieved profitability, we enthusiasts were only too happy to give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, the English automaker serially gifted us with watershed designs. Sublime mechanical creatures like the E- and D-Type sports cars, as well as the curvacious Mark II and original XJ. How could we not be totally and utterly smitten? Yet somehow, the once proud automaker eventually found itself adrift in mediocrity, turning out maligned and slow-selling products with an unpleasant odor of unreliability as the money began to run dry. When the then Ford-owned brand launched headlong into its "democratization of luxury" strategy that resulted in the lamentable 2001 X-Type and serious talk of an SUV, well, we couldn't help but grow gravely concerned.

After all, how could a company like Jaguar - a firm that prided itself not only on voluptuous design and sporty handling but also sybaritic appointments and a refined, aristocratic manor speak with a straight face about "the democratization of luxury?"

Not only does the XJ appear to be the measure of its German competitors, it may play a strong foil for the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera.

The very concept was oxymoronic to the point of absurdity: when a given commodity is within easy reach of the masses, it ceases to be a luxury good. Simple as that. Predictably, it didn't take long for consumers to cotton on to this revelation, and the savior X-Type was broadly lambasted and narrowly purchased.

Thankfully, the lanky Leaping Cat is at last in proud form once again, and under the new leadership of India's Tata Motors, they are building on the success of the massively impressive Jaguar XF of 2008. By our reckoning, that car was the first clear indication from chief designer Ian Callum and Company that not only did Jaguar understand that it had a past - it might have the blueprint for a bright future as well. As it reasserts its claim to the flagship slot in Coventry's lineup, the new XJ finds itself with big shoes to fill. Is it up to the task? Follow the jump to learn more.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

Continue reading 2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat

2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ian Callum talks about the 2010 Jaguar XJ

Chris Shunk — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XJ: Click above to view the video after the jump

The top-of-the-line leaping cat was blessed with an aluminum chassis that was well ahead of its time, but the Jaguar XJ's historically derivative design left luxury customers less than impressed - if indeed they recognized it as a new model. Chief Jaguar designer Ian Callum, who hit the ball right out of the park when he designed the award winning XF, now has an opportunity to make things right with the flagship XJ. We've already seen spy photos of the XJ's interior and exterior, and everything so far points to the Jag's flagship model taking plenty of cues from the smaller, less expensive XF; not that that's a bad thing.

The 2010 Jaguar XJ is one of the most eagerly anticipated unveilings this year, but since it won't go public until July 9, you'll have to wait until we can gather some more information. After the jump is a short video of Callum discussing his coup de gras; the new XJ. We only caught two very brief, very muddled shots of the next generation of Jaguar's "Gorgeous" design philosophy, but it's still worth a look.

[Source: Jaguar via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ian Callum talks about the 2010 Jaguar XJ

VIDEO: Ian Callum talks about the 2010 Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Jaguar XJ edges closer to production

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar, UK

With the new XF garnering all the attention, a new 510 horsepower XKR ripping up the streets and a new sportscar - of some sort or another - reportedly on the way, it'd be all too easy to forget about Jaguar's flagship XJ sedan. The range-topper still carries the same basic retro styling theme as it has since before Ford took over, but now that Tata's moved in upstairs, the XJ is due for an overhaul.

Although it's hard to tell much from the spy shots, you can bet Jag design chief Ian Callum has a more aggressive, edgier styling similar to the XF on tap for us.

Expect Jaguar's latest generation of V8s, in normally-aspirated and supercharged form to provide motivation as the big cat gets bigger to take another pounce at the likes of the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. The new XJ is anticipated to debut later this year - Frankfurt would be a good bet - before it hits the streets for 2010. Follow the link to see the disguised test mule both still images and on video.

[Source: CAR]

Spy Shots: 2010 Jaguar XJ edges closer to production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCA grads design eco-friendly concepts for the future

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green

Click above for more RCA Eco-Friendly Concepts

Whenever car design students tackle a project with as little direction as designing a "future eco-friendly automobile," you know that the designs will bear little resemblance to what's currently available. Still, when it's students from the Royal College of Art we're talking about, we should take note. After all, this is the same school that graduated the likes of Peter Horbury, Ian Callum, Martin Smith from Ford of Europe, Aston Martin's design director Marek Reichman and Peter Schreyer, Kia's current design head and the man behind the iconic shape of Audi's original TT.

The winner of the 2008 Pilkington Automotive Vehicle Design award was Pierre Sabas with his Airflow concept (shown above). Although the looks of the vehicle, with its entire exterior made from glass, are pretty far fetched, the in-wheel electric motors specified by the designer may have a future as many automakers are already exploring this idea for production. In contrast, Arturo Peralta Nogueras's concept uses non-existent "solid hologram technology" for the exterior along with an interior that evolves with its surroundings. We're sure that one's coming right around the corner. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: RCA Eco-Friendly Concepts

[Sources: Inhabitat, Wallpaper.com]

RCA grads design eco-friendly concepts for the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar design chief says XF is Apple flavored

Chris Tutor — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Jaguar

"We have been working with Apple on control interfaces."

That's a direct quote from, not Martin Winterkorn at Volkswagen, but Ian Callum, the design director for Jaguar, as quoted by CAR magazine. Callum says Jaguar's new XF's start button "starts to pulsate" when the driver gets into the car. Once running, the car's hidden air vents "rise up" and the JaguarDrive Selector pops up from the console. Actual buttons are kept to a min.

Sounds all very high-tech and somewhat Apple-like. The pulsating start button is very reminiscent of Apple computers' power indicator lights.

So now we have Apple confirmed to be working with Jaguar and rumored to be working with Volkswagen and Mercedes. Another item of interest we came across in researching this post is a Macrumors story which says it heard about the CAR interview with Callum from Macrumors reader -- get this -- Chris Bangle. Could it be? Nah.

Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: CAR Magazine via Macrumors]

Jaguar design chief says XF is Apple flavored originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaguar! Er... Jaguar designer honored

Dan Roth — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Etc., Jaguar

Say what you will about the Jaguar X-Type wagon, shooting brake, you know it's a Jag when you see it. The same goes for the XJ, which was totally redesigned yet still retains its identity as an XJ and nothing else. In fact, the entire Jaguar line has a nice family look about it. The man responsible for the Jaguar design language, Ian Callum, has been awarded the highest honor the UK can muster for designers, the Royal Designers for Industry award. The honor is given to recognize designers who have "achieved sustained excellence in aesthetic and efficient design for industry." In a nutshell, we think what they're trying to say is that since taking the design reins at Jaguar in '99, Ian Callum has made Jaguars look great without resorting to excess frippery. Callum also has had a hand in shaping various Aston Martin, Ford, TWR and Ghia vehicles throughout his career. With the debut of the new XK coupe, it looks like there'll be no shortage of gorgeous Jaguars for us to drool over anytime soon.

The full press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Shaguar! Er... Jaguar designer honored

Shaguar! Er... Jaguar designer honored originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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