Our picture shows how...
Our picture shows how the dashboard taps into classic Alfa design cues to create a functional yet stylish interior that has clearly been inspired by the company"s models from the Sixties.
Design bosses at the...
Design bosses at the Ford-owned company promise that the next generation of Jaguars will shock the motoring world. They are pledging to leave the conservative attributes of current models behind, while remaining true to Jaguar"s heritage. The new design direction will be introduced with the forthcoming XK coup탩 - due on sale in the spring - and continue with the revised X-Type, revealed here for the first time.
This week"s mag features exclusive images of Jag"s new baby and show that the revised car will feature smoother lines than the existing X-Type. It gets a similar makeover to the facelifted S-Type - which arrived in 2004 - with a restyled nose incorporating a fresh grille and lights. At the rear, the bland looks will become more distinctive, taking cues from the sleek new XK.
The makeover continues inside, where the focus will shift to upgrading quality. While it"s common knowledge that Jaguar"s smallest model shares its underpinnings with the Ford Mondeo, bosses are adamant this shouldn"t be obvious in the cabin. The basic dash design isn"t expected to change significantly, but new materials will be added to give a more luxurious feel. Buyers can also expect plenty of new technology, including the latest DVD-based sat-nav and Bluetooth wireless communications.
Engineers will also make some mechanical upgrades. Although the recently introduced 2.2-litre turbodiesel model remains, slow-selling four-cylinder variants will be dropped in favour of a new V6 powerplant borrowed from the next-generation Mondeo.
The changes will not only be made to the saloon seen here, but to the estate, too. Buyers will still have the choice of front or four-wheel drive, and to complement this an Audi Allroad-style 4x4 variant is also being developed. With a raised ride height and extra body cladding, the rugged version will broaden the appeal of the Jaguar brand and pave the way for a full-scale SUV.
In keeping with the firm"s reputation for comfort, chassis experts will tweak the X-Type"s suspension. Without compromising ride quality, bosses will be keen to sharpen the handling to ensure the car remains competitive with BMW"s dynamically excellent new 3-Series.
With a launch date pencilled in for 2007, the revised X-Type isn"t the only new Jaguar saloon in the pipeline. The entry-level model will be followed by an all-new version of the S-Type, set to take styling inspiration from the RD-6 concept seen at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Based on a brand new Ford family platform, the rejuvenated BMW 5-Series challenger will see Jaguar return to the forefront of the executive car class.
The S-Type uses a similar aluminium construction to the current XJ, and gets an entirely new range of engines and a beautifully crafted cabin. We expect to see the first prototypes out on test any day now, although the car won"t go on sale in the UK until 2008.