By far, the best news to come from Jaguar at the Frankfurt auto show was that underneath the C-X17 crossover concept sat all-new, all-aluminum architecture destined first for a clean-sheet sports sedan. There were no photos of said sedan, nor renderings, nor sketches or previews or teasers. The announcement contained little more about the car than what we crammed into the first sentence of this paragraph. And yet, this information was—on its own—enough to erase the stain of X-type, the jokes about Connolly leather seats, and that Ford radio head unit haphazardly stuffed into the S-type’s dashboard.
There is only one proper—nay, gentlemanly—reaction to news like this, and that is by politely clearing one’s throat and asking: “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!” This response may be conditioned by watching too much Breaking Bad. Maybe it’s because we just love rear-wheel drive and sports sedans. The reason why doesn’t matter, though. So, with not a single Bothan spy harmed, here’s what’s in the pipeline from Jaguar.
Architecture: Lightest Weights, Layouts
Since the architecture is so scalable and flexible, Jaguar will use it for virtually all of its next-generation models. Engines are fitted longitudinally, so rear-wheel drive is the primary layout, and most if not all future Jags will offer all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system is similar to what was designed for the XF and XJ AWD models on sale now, but is a more advanced version with much new hardware. Engineers say that the aluminum platform is so light and has been so well optimized, many models will be the lowest weight in their classes.
Compact Sports Sedan (2015)
Jaguar’s response to the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series is the first recipient of the flexible, scalable, all-aluminum architecture. Rear-wheel drive will be standard and all-wheel drive optional. An all-new turbocharged four-cylinder will deliver upwards of 250 horsepower, while Europeans will be treated to a brand-new four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Jaguar’s 375-plus-hp supercharged V-6 will power upmarket models—including the hotter S model, which Jaguar bosses say is an extremely important trim. A high-performance RS is likely, and although the architecture in general could fit a V-8, we think Jaguar will coax more power out of the V-6. Having heard in the past from a Jaguar engineer that future models would offer a manual transmission, well, this seems like the perfect application.
Although the name was rumored to be Q-type, with the crossover being called XQ-type, neither name can be used. Jaguar pulled both applications for trademark after Audi launched a formal complaint about Q-type. Nissan, too, probably would have had something to say—remember that Infiniti sells only models called Q and QX now.
Mid-Size Crossover SUV (2015–2016)
It’s not officially green-lit yet, but Jaguar execs are very hot to build a crossover, and the U.S. and China are particularly enthusiastic. The plan was to use the C-X17 concept to gather answers to two questions. (We’re generously paraphrasing both.) First, would the mere notion of a Jaguar SUV trigger widespread fits of yelling in Latin? Second, assuming the reaction was not Glossolalia, how does this particular design fit?
To get the most accurate reaction, Jaguar designed and built the C-X17 along production parameters—the fenders are the right height to accommodate a true suspension on the actual aluminum architecture, for example—so they could get as accurate of an impression as possible from the public. Overall, Jaguar is shooting for something roughly the size of an Audi Q5, but with more storage despite a more rakish design. It would sit about half a class above the Audi.
As the concept has been designed, it can accommodate an inline-four or a V-6—and yes, Jaguar’s V-8 would also fit. Executives say they would absolutely consider sportier S and RS versions.
XJ Replacement (2016)
Jaguar is already testing early prototypes of the next-gen XJ, which should arrive in 2016. We do not believe it will ride on the new aluminum architecture, but would instead take on a lighter-weight version of the brand-new platform used for the Range Rover Sport. Both are aluminum, but they’re not tremendously related beyond that, and the idea is that the Land Rover design might better suit a very large, very luxurious sedan. This is still up in the air, though.
- First Drive: 2014 Jaguar XFR-S
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Jaguar F-type V-8 S
- First Drive: 2014 Jaguar XJR
Next-Gen XF, and Maybe XK?
It won’t be for several more years that we see a replacement for the XF, which launched back in 2008. With the help of a major face lift, a new engine portfolio, the addition of optional all-wheel drive, and the new wagon model for Europe, the XF still feels fresh, and is Jaguar’s top seller globally. We expect it to receive the new four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines (just the former for us) after the new compact sedan does in 2015.
Jaguar has said virtually nothing about the XK, but based on what executives are saying about general product cadence, a replacement would be a very low priority. The company is investing in all the new products you see above, but it still ain’t the Volkswagen Group, and that means it needs to focus on core models for the next several years. High-end grand-touring coupes are a tiny market even by niche standards, and Jaguar’s brand-new F-type covers the territory well enough.
Source: CarAndDriver
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