The Future of Jaguar

Money changes everything.  Something special has happened in the dull grey design studios of Jaguar Motor Cars.  Tata, the parent company of Jaguar has brought Christmas to the sober old marque, showering it in cash and making everyone as giddy as schoolgirls hyped up on a chocolate Justin Bieber.  Soon, Jaguar will stop building amorphous blobs shackled with tired old iron, and once again be relevant.

F-Type First Proposed Version

Tata expects to bathe Jaguar in over a billion dollars during the next five years, and with that wealth comes new models…lots of them.  In fact, there are so many plans, that it is hard to separate them from each other.  First is the new F-Type, which is aimed at the Porsche 911.  This car has been rumored before, but recently got the green light from management.  Above and below are two photos of the F-Type, both reports show different styles.

F-Type Second Proposed Version

Next is the new XE, which is scheduled to debut at the next Geneva Motor Show.  The new small sports car is aimed at the Porsche Boxter market, and could be based on the RD6 Concept.  Again, the photos show different body styles…things are confusing.

Jaguar XE Design One

Jaguar XE Design Two

Then there is the XF10, which was leaked to the press this past January.  Designed by the Spanish firm Fuore, it is doubtful that this will ever be built.

Jaguar XF10 – Fuore Design

With all that, Jaguar is still planning on the redesign of the XK series.  Spy shots of the new cars are all over the web, and it is funny to see the same shot branded by every car blog out there.  I stole this from KGP Photography, which I think is the original.  At the same time they are re-skinning the XF, with updated headlights, and the addition of XJ styling cues.

Jaguar XKR Test Mule Spy Shot

Next up is the new XF Estate, a station wagon version of the XF.  Nothing new here except a few more yards of aluminum.

Jaguar XF Estate Car

The biggest news came from this year’s Geneva Motor Show.  Jaguar unveiled its new “Growler” concept based on the iconic E-Type.  That car was rolling sculpture, permanently displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, and once described by Enzo Ferrari himself as the “Most beautiful car ever made.”  The Growler is a re-make worthy of the original.

Jaguar Growler

Conceived by a Swiss businessman, and designed by the Swedish firm Visualtech, this stunning aluminum sculpture is based on the new XKR.  Everything, from the ‘hourglass” curves to the flat rear window is all E-Type, and the result is a spectacular tribute to the beauty of the Malcolm Sayer design.

Jaguar Growler

Look closely and you will notice the same massive clamshell hood, and flowing haunches of the original.  Underneath the engine will be a tuned 5.0 liter supercharged V8 from the XKR, producing upwards of 600bph.  It is a modern Jaaaaag, the dream of every car nut.  Jaguar expects to start a VERY limited production in 2012, and estimates the cost to be over half a million each.  Still, even though most of us will never own one, we can take comfort in knowing they WILL exist.

Jaguar Growler

Jaguar Growler

More plans include a fight with the BMW 3 Series, again.  The last time this battle was started, it ended with the spectacular failure that was the X-Type.  That car was basically a Ford Mondeo dressed up like an old French whore, and sold about as well.  This time, the people at Bertone have offered up a possible contender for the role, called the Bertone B99 Concept.

Jaguar Bertone B99 Concept

Jaguar Bertone B99 Concept

Debuted at the same Geneva Motor Show, the Italian design firm Bertone styled this retro looking concept to show that they can still design cars, despite being old and broke.  Based on the XJ-C Coupe, the car is a study of dynamic imbalance, with parallel beltline and rocker panels, tight muscular quarters, and a stark contrast between the linear and leaping.  The forward facing front grille harkens back to the confident XJ series, complete with a classic leaping hood ornament.  Stunning from every angle, the car would be a sure hit for the marque.  Unfortunately, Jaguar is not interested.

Jaguar Bertone B99 Concept

Word has it that Jaguar is considering this car instead of the Bertone B99, listed above.  Other car blogs have it that Jaguar will consider using a design based on the RD6, listed above as the basis for the new XE.  I told you they were giddy.

Jaguar 3 Series Rival Design

Jaguar 3 Series Rival Design

Jaguar is also talking about a small car aimed at the BMW 1 Series market.  The new Jag will compete with the VW Golf and Audi A3 as well.  Prices will be around $20,000 and it could be based on the new Land Rover Evoque.

Jaguar 1 Series Rival Design via AutoExpress.com

Jaguar 1 Series Rival Design via AutoExpress.com

In order to broaden the brand, Jaguar is considering a new SUV crossover, more along the lines of the BMW X6 than the Audi Q7.  Since Tata also owns Land Rover/Range Rover, who debuted its new small SUV called the Evoque, there may be a quick development for the platform.  Here are some renderings.

Jaguar SUV Crossover Design Study

Jaguar SUV Crossover Design Study

Finally, Jaguar is developing the C-X75 supercar, with its gas turbine technology.  So far, they have yet to overcome the 1300 degree exhaust gasses, but are steadily working on its design.

Jaguar C-X75 Design

With their newfound blanket of security, Jaguar is no longer treading the same road as Lancia, building cars that mock a once great heritage.  Jaguar is now free to become the new Kia.

Jaguar C-X75 Design

Photos courtesy of netcarshow.com, autoexpress.com, KGP Photography and Google Images

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond