Jaguar confirms SUV for 2016

First Jaguar crossover confirmed for production

The most radical new Jaguar for decades has been given the green light for production in 2016, our sister magazine, Autocar UK can reveal.

Company insiders say the new model could become “Jaguar’s Evoque” — both changing perceptions of the brand and selling in substantial volumes. It is expected to be priced to rival the BMW X3.

First exposed by Autocar UK in March 2012, the Jaguar crossover concept has been in development for over two years already. It’s thought that Jaguar could unveil a teaser concept as early as this September’s Frankfurt show.

Sources who have seen the new car at customer clinics held in the Midlands have described the crossover as “stunning”. One source — a current XF owner — told that the styling proposal was “unlike anything that Jaguar had done before” and “easily the best-looking vehicle in the room”. The line-up at the clinic included the current Infiniti FX and Porsche Cayenne, although both are bigger than Jaguar’s crossover. It’s thought that the coupé-like FX has been something of a stylistic influence for the new Jaguar.

The new crossover will provide Jaguar with a direct rival for Porsche’s upcoming Macan SUV, which is similar in size and is also defined by its dramatic styling.

The Jaguar crossover will be a conventional five-door hatchback and aimed at younger, more affluent families. As one source noted: “You rarely see one of today’s Jaguar models with a child seat in the back. The crossover will tap into that market.”
The crossover — possibly badged XQ — will be a sister car to Jaguar’s BMW 3-series competitor and will be based on the same new aluminium platform. Insiders say the production car will be much more of a sporting crossover than a full-on SUV.

Like the small saloon, the crossover will be natively rear-wheel drive but will also have the option of all-wheel drive. Both cars are based on the smaller version of the Premium Lightweight Architecture that underpins the new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

Whereas the large PLA platform underpins models five metres long and more, the compact PLA architecture should cover new models between 4.4 and 4.9 metres in length, as well as being slightly narrower than the bigger platform.

The compact PLA is understood to underpin the two entry-level Jaguars and the next-generation XF. Jaguar hopes the crossover will be the lightest model in its class. Combined with Jaguar Land Rover’s all-new four-cylinder ‘Hotfire’ engines, that should enable it to achieve some of the lowest CO2 ratings in its class.

A wide range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines will be offered. Higher-spec V6 petrol and diesel versions will also feature in the line-up.

 

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Jaguar XJR revealed

New high-performance XJR saloon expands Jaguar's R line-up.

Jaguar has crowned its performance saloon line-up with a new R version of its flagship XJ. 

Power for the XJR comes from Jaguar’s famed supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. In the XJR, it produces 542bhp, the same power output as the recently unveiled XFR-S.

Jaguar hasn’t confirmed any performance figures for its new rear-wheel drive saloon, but a 0-100kph time close to 5.0sec would be expected. Jaguar has promised “supercar performance” for the new model.

A single image released by Jaguar of the car ahead of New York reveals an aggressive new look for the XJ in its transformation into the XJR super-saloon.

Darkened mesh is used for the front grille and air intakes, a front lip spoiler is added, and chrome trim contrasts against the gun metal grey paint finish. Large five-spoke alloys wrapped in low-profile tyres are further additions to the most potent XJ ever.

Jaguar hasn’t gone into detail on the “bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments” the XJR has compared to the standard XJ. Full details will be confirmed at the New York motor show.

“The XJR is the most focused, agile and responsive Jaguar XJ ever made,” according to the Gaydon-based firm, mixing “supercar performance and assertive looks with the highest levels of luxury”.

Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark said, “The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon.”

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Jaguar XKR-S GT revealed

Jaguar commemorates 25 years of its R brand with limited-edition XKR-S GT

Jaguar is commemorating 25 years of its R performance brand with the most focused road-going version of its XK ever.

 

The XKR-S GT, which joins the new XJR at the New York motor show, is a track-ready version of the XKR-S that remains road legal.

 

Power comes from a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed auto’ gearbox. The GT is good for a 0-100kph time of 3.9sec, some 0.3sec quicker than the standard XKR. Although Jaguar says the car is theoretically capable of 320kph, it is limited to 300kph.

 

The GT features a bespoke aerodynamic package that includes a carbonfibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, a rear diffuser and a large fixed rear wing. Maximum downforce of 145kg is said to be achieved.

 

Carbon ceramic brake discs are fitted, a first for Jaguar. New front and rear suspension systems also feature, including a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings and a new steering system with a faster ratio. Bespoke, height-adjustable dampers are another addition that features a race-derived twin spring system.

 

Completing the transformation are special lightweight 20in alloys shod in 255/35 Pirelli Corsa rubber at the front and 305/30 tyres at the rear.

Just 30 examples will be made – 25 for the US and five for Canada. However, Jaguar says it will consider right-hand drive models for the UK and other markets if demand is sufficient.

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Rare Jaguar C-Type in Mumbai

Jaguar’s legendary racing car to be on display at Jaguar showroom and Cartier Classic Car display.

The 2013 edition of Cartier Concours d’Elegance vintage car show to be held in Mumbai on the 8^th and 9^th of February will showcase, among many other rare gems, the Jaguar C-Type that racing giant Sir Stirling Moss drove to victory at the 1952 Reims Grand Prix. The legendary racing car will also be on display at the Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Worli from the 2^nd-7^th of February.

Sir Stirling Moss also drove the same C-Type at the 1952 Monaco Grand Prix and went on to take the top honours at Boreham and Turnberry.

The C-Type created history by winning the Le Mans race in 1951, being the first time it was entered in the competition. It also broke new ground in innovative automobile technology. It was the first car to use disc brakes in racing. Following the success of the C-Type, Jaguar produced successors like the D-Type and E-Type. And it was the legendary racer that inspired the carmaker’s trademark sports cars, establishing the Jaguar brand globally. 

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Jaguar's BMW 3-series rival inches closer

Jaguar compact saloon poised for production as planned crossover is pushed back.

Jaguar is close to giving the go-ahead to a range of compact and lightweight rear-drive models that will spearhead a significant sales expansion for the brand.

However, the new line won’t be an obvious rival for established premium cars such as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4, according to senior sources. It will attempt to outpoint the German opposition by emphasising its lightweight aluminium construction and cutting-edge, super-frugal four-cylinder engines.

The global market for compact premium cars of all body styles is heading for two million units annually, and Jaguar bosses have decided to chase serious volume by competing in this ever-growing segment. The British carmaker has sales of less than 60,000 units globally and is still an automotive minnow. It needs to more than double its output in the medium term to secure its future alongside sister company Land Rover.

The junior model range will be based on a new set of components that will also be scalable enough to be used for the next-generation XF and XJ models. This will allow the company eventually to produce “90 percent” of all production from one common components set, according to Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director.

Building all three model ranges on the same highly scalable Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA) aluminium platform — which made its debut under the Mk4 Range Rover — will allow Jaguar to drive into sustainable profitability by running its Castle Bromwich plant at full capacity.

Although targeting the 3-series would be an expected move for the new small Jaguar, Hallmark said the company wouldn’t be taking the most obvious route.

“The 3-series is an easy simile for where we could go, but it’s not the only gig in town,” he said. “All the cars are good in that segment. All have the blend of performance and efficiency, as well as very sophisticated equipment.

“It took Audi 20 years to build up to where it is. For us to come in and go to the top of the league is impossible, so we have to find ways of expanding our business profitably and we’re well developed in that process. We are undergoing creative analysis of competitors and consumers.”

Hallmark pointed out that the competitiveness of this premium sector made the move very difficult.

“Trying to find a gap to exploit is a real challenge,” he said. “Nobody is waiting for another competitor to enter a segment. For us to enter… we have to have a winning proposition. It has to have a twist, something relevant to the consumer. But the Jaguar brand should define everything.”

He also hinted that the new model would expand into a full line-up of body styles. “All makers in that segment have a successful strategy of different versions: coupés, cabrios, estates, engines. You have to be flexible in that segment.”

The decision to forge ahead with the compact saloon means the proposed new Jaguar crossover has been put on the back burner.

“Even though the SUV market is growing, the saloon market is still twice the size, especially in the US,” said Hallmark. “A crossover would make more noise for us than a saloon, but we already have SUVs in the company and we’re not in a rush to add to that. You might not make as much profit on a saloon as an SUV, but you don’t expect the likes of Audi to stop making the A4.”

Hallmark also said that although the PLA can be spun into a front-wheel drive format, Jaguar did not have a front-drive car planned. “But there’s no reason why not in the future, as it’s totally scalable and flexible,” he said.

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s design chief, gave further clues about why Jaguar is zeroing in on a big-selling compact saloon. “The world is downsizing in many areas,” he said. “I think downsizing can only go so far. Then it comes down to the efficiency of the vehicle. Mass, rather than size, is something we have a big lead on with our aluminium construction. Downsizing is not off our radar and we have to take it seriously. But we’ve got the head start on mass.

“I think Jaguar has to do something different. The challenge is to do this across a whole range of vehicles. Some our rivals have four-door coupés, which we’d love to see. The Mercedes CLA could be a template for a smaller Jaguar, but that’s not what we’d do.

“A Jaguar needs to work as a Jaguar, with a set of components to match our mould,” Callum said. “Jaguars have a rational, pragmatic set of values. They are styled a bit differently but need to be conventional enough to be usable. It’s Jaguar’s turn [after Land Rover] to grow next. We will grow and could become formidable if all goes well and we get the planning done properly.”

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New Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel review

With a smaller diesel motor under the hood of the XF, Jaguar finally ventures into the entry-level executive saloon segment.

With just a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel on offer so far, Jaguar missed out on the hugely lucrative entry-level executive luxury saloon market, one where Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have so far, made a killing. Now, Jaguar has finally rolled up its sleeves and dived headfirst into this part of the pool with the competitive 2.2-litre diesel XF.

In the XF’s favour is its sheer desirability and the fact that it is a genuine alternative to the German ‘Big Three’. Also in its favour is the fact that this XF is assembled in India and attracts lower duties than its six-cylinder imported brother.

 

Like the 3.0-litre diesel, this 2.2-litre motor is mounted longitudinally and powers the rear wheels. It makes 187bhp and a healthy 45.8kgm of torque and this translates directly into a responsive and adequately powerful car. In fact, it is so nice, the only time you will probably realise the engine’s smaller capacity is when you want more urge at high speeds.

 

Otherwise, this engine is eager to rev to its redline and pulls in a linear manner while it is doing so. The performance figures back this up – 0-100kph takes 9.1sec, which is pretty much on par with the rest of the competition. Its kick-down acceleration times are impressive too, which points to why this engine felt so flexible in Mumbai’s traffic.

 

A part of this flexibility is also down to the eight-speed automatic gearbox and its broad spread of ratios. It’s a gearbox that blurs its shifts effectively, changes gear rather intuitively and tries to keep the engine spinning as efficiently as possible. The only minor hitch comes when you want a quick downshift to slot into a gap. Adding more pressure on the throttle doesn’t help, and only if you hit the kick-down switch or tug at the paddle does it jump down gears quickly. 

What’s also impressive is the engine’s relative refinement, considering it’s got four cylinders. Sure it’s not as supremely quiet or smooth as its six-cylinder brother, but the difference is marginal. More importantly, it feels a whole lot quieter than the engines in the 520d and the E 250 CDI. 

So the XF 2.2’s smooth shifts, linear power delivery and refinement make for a car that feels rather relaxing to be in and entirely fitting with the Jaguar character. Oddly, though, the ride seems to be on the lumpy side at low speeds, but the higher-profile tyres and smaller, 17-inch rims help it  handle sharp bumps impressively. It also has a flat, composed high-speed ride, and body control is good too. That apart, the handling isn't sporty. The steering isn’t as sharp or direct off centre as a 5-series and it doesn’t feel particularly involving to drive, which is fine – this car is for the more economy-conscious owner who’s unlikely to push it to its limits.

 

 

What owners will expect are comfortable, special interiors, and that’s what they will get, largely. The XF still gets Jaguar’s ‘handshake’, where the rotary gear selector rises out of the centre console and the air-con vents flip open electrically. They will also find a simple, well-built and uncluttered dashboard that looks a bit traditional, with its acres of wood. Some might also be disappointed by the fact that the interiors don’t feel as avant garde as those of its more modern competition. That aside, Jaguar has added satellite navigation and a switch that allows rear passengers to slide the front passenger seat back and forth; small but significant additions to an equipment list that also includes a reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, paddle-shifters, keyless go, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and USB and aux-in ports. 

 

Jaguar should have liberated more cabin space along with the recent mid-life facelift. Though the front seats are quite spacious, there is noticeably less space at the rear as compared to its rivals at the rear. Jag ofcourse is paying the price of the coupe-like profile.

Now for the anoraks. It’s rather easy to tell a passing four-cylinder XF from the 3.0-litre one. Simply look for the smaller wheels and the single tail pipe. Oh, and the 2.2-litre car doesn’t get the ‘S’ badging on the boot lid either.

 

At Rs 44.5 lakh (ex-showroom, pre-octroi, Mumbai), the XF isn't the cheapest car in its class, but it is easily the cheapest XF. A BMW 520d is Rs 2.4 lakh cheaper. But, remember, the Jag car does have a bit more equipment that its rivals which does offset the higher price to some extent. And, because it is assembled here, you can also expect it to be a sizeable Rs 10 lakh cheaper on the road, in some cities, than the 3.0-litre XF S. This in itself will attract those who have been eyeing the relative exclusivity of the XF, but have been put off by the high entry price. 

 

One thing’s for certain, this car will no doubt become the best-selling Jaguar in India, and we are convinced it has the potential to take the fight right to the Germans. 

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 44.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai)*

Engine

Fuel	Diesel
Installation	Front, longitudinal, RWD
Type	4 cyls, 2179cc, common-rail, turbo-diesel
Power	187bhp at 3500rpm
Torque	45.8kgm at 2000rpm

Transmission

Type	8-speed Automatic

Dimensions

Length	4961mm
Width	2053mm
Height	1460mm
Wheel base	2909mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	1738kg
Wheels	17-inch alloy
Tyres	235/55 R17

Suspension

Front	Independent, double wishbone
Rear	Independent, double wishbone

Brakes

Front	Ventilated discs
Rear	Ventilated discs

Performance

0-20	1.13sec
0-40	2.18sec
0-60	4.03sec
0-80	6.30sec
0-100	9.14sec
0-120	12.53sec
0-140	17.26sec

Economy

Tank size

70 litres

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Jaguar XK to move further upmarket

Jaguar coupé to take on a luxury GT role with the launch of the F-type sports car

The next-generation Jaguar XK is set to grow in size following the introduction of the F-type. Design director Ian Callum said Jaguar was “going through a lot of discussion” about how the XK should evolve.

No final decision has yet been taken, but Callum said there was an opportunity to “allow the car to become a bit more special than a GT”.

“It could grow into the luxury market, and grow in size,” he said. “Whether it stays the same as a two-plus-two or becomes a two-plus-more-than-two has not been committed to yet.”

The F-type’s launch removes the need for the XK to act as out-and-out sports coupé and luxury GT. With the F-type becoming Jaguar’s dedicated sports car, there’s scope for the XK to focus on its luxury GT credentials.

While a shift in strategy for the XK seems likely, the XJ is set to remain as a conventional saloon in its next generation, despite the declining market for such luxury four-doors.

Sales of large luxury SUVs are now dwarfing luxury saloons, but Callum believes it’s the state of the global economy rather than a shift in market trends that is to blame for dwindling luxury saloon sales. “I think the market will come back,” he said. “We’re strong in China and big cars are also always going to be popular in the US.”

Callum didn’t confirm the existence of a large Jaguar crossover to sit alongside the XJ in its line-up, but said the firm “had to take notice” of the growing popularity of crossovers and SUVs.

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Jaguar axes C-X75 supercar

Jaguar has cancelled production of supercar C-X75 owing to global economic crisis

The Jaguar C-X75 supercar has been axed. Global brand director Adrian Hallmark confirmed that the decision not to put the radical hybrid into production had been taken due to the current global economic crisis.

Five working prototypes will continue to be developed until next May. Up to three of these will then be sold at auction, while one will go into a future Jaguar museum and the other will be kept by Jaguar for running demonstrations.

“We feel we could make the car work, but looking at the global austerity measures in place now, it seems the wrong time to launch an £800,000 to £1 million (Rs 8.74 crore) supercar,” said Hallmark. “This is backed up by other products from us that people are screaming out for.” 

The C-X75 was first revealed as a concept at the Paris motor show in 2010. Its hybrid drivetrain included a pair of gas turbines to power the car once charge from the four electric motors, one mounted at each wheel, had expired. In May 2011, Jaguar confirmed the C-X75, which features the firm’s first bonded carbonfibre chassis using Williams F1 expertise, had been signed off for production, albeit without the gas turbines.

The original drivetrain had been replaced with a turbocharged/supercharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, mounted at either end of the car, driving transaxles and powered by a liquid/air-cooled battery pack. The combined power figure of the hybrid drivetrain was 888bhp and combined torque 590lb ft. The C-X75 could crack 0-60mph in 2.8sec and promised 0-100mph in less than 6.0sec. An all-electric range of 60 miles was quoted.

Hallmark said the undisclosed investment in the C-X75 would not be wasted, and 60 percent of its technology would filter through to future Jaguars. The hybrid technology, he said, could be used on a three-cylinder engine to give it the power of a six-cylinder engine. The C-X75’s sophisticated aerodynamics should also influence future Jaguars, while the high-pressure supercharger technology could be used on future performance Jaguars with four-cylinder engines.

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Jaguar to build 3-series rival

Jaguar's global boss hints that baby saloon will take priority over upcoming crossover.

 A smaller saloon to rival the BMW 3-series is a bigger priority at Jaguar than developing a crossover, global brand director Adrian Hallmark has hinted.

"Even though the SUV market is growing, the saloon market is still twice the size, especially in the US," said Hallmark. "A crossover would make more noise for us than a saloon, but we already have SUVs in the company and we're not in a rush to add to that.

 

"You might not make as much profit on a saloon than an SUV, but you don't expect the likes of Audi stop making the A4."

 

Hallmark also pointed out the "successful strategy" the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes had made of expanding the appeal and profitability of their staple saloon line-ups with coupe, cabriolet and estate variants, as well as a wide range of powertrains. "You have got to be flexible in that segment," he added.

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Jaguar to launch XFR-S at LA motor show

The company will launch a new range-topping performance version of the XFR saloon at the Los Angeles Motor Show next week.

Jaguar has confirmed that it will launch a new performance variant of the XFR saloon, the XFR-S, at next week’s Los Angeles Motor Show.

The company revealed no details of the XFR-S alongside this sole teaser image of the new saloon. It’s expected to use a version of the XFR’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine tuned to around 542bhp.

The XFR-S is described by the company as “the fastest and most powerful saloon Jaguar has ever produced”. 

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