SANTA MONICA, California — After the launch of the all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ sedan this spring, speculation has been that Jag's next move would be a coupe version of the full-size luxury liner, which would take on the Mercedes CL-Class and Bentley Continental GT. These reports are false. The XJ Coupe ain't happening. But the smaller C-Type convertible has been given the green light and will soon battle the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLK for buyers.
The XJ Coupe rumors started when Jag's design director Ian Callum let it slip that his team has drawn one up. But an unnamed European source with knowledge of Jaguar's future product plans has told Inside Line that he is unaware of any such project being worked on. He said he has never even heard the idea seriously discussed.
But the less expensive and higher-volume C-Type is a go. Inside Jaguar it's referred to as the "small sports car."
Like the larger Jaguar XK, the new C-Type's chassis will be an aluminum monocoque, and we expect the C-Type will be available as a coupe and a soft-top convertible. But unlike the XK it will probably have just two seats. And we're told it will be a 2012 model.
But what engine will it use? Jag's latest naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 is just too expensive and thirsty for a small sports car in this class, and Jaguar doesn't have much else besides a six-cylinder diesel. So this is what makes the most sense; Jaguar will chop a couple of cylinders off its new V8 and create a new V6. And while they are at it, Jag's engineers will borrow some technology from their former owner and create a turbo version.
Remember, Ford owned Jag until five or six minutes ago, so Jaguar having an EcoBoost-style V6 as part of its future plans is no stretch. Plus, Jaguar needs smaller engines to put in all of its cars as fuel efficiency standards tighten. So the V6 and turbocharged V6 would then also find their way into the XF, XK and even the XJ.
Although the V8 isn't practical for the base car, Inside Line has been told Jaguar will leave enough room between the C-Type's fenders for its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 so it can make a hot-rod R version of the C-Type. That would be the one to have. Hell, Mercedes did it with the SLK55 AMG.
Inside Line says: We're excited about the C-Type as long as Jag comes up with the turbo V6 and doesn't source its powertrain from the Tata Nano. But we're bummed about the XJ Coupe. Look at that thing; it's gorgeous. Come on, Jag. Tata has deep pockets. You don't need to make money on every car, do you? Build the XJ Coupe. Please. — Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief
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carfreak13 says:
09:25 AM, 01/23/2010
that car is hot (the c type) but a 6 ?
kjgood says:
08:13 AM, 01/15/2010
I really hope Jag moves ahead with this, and gets the pricing/vehicle content/marketing correct this time. The last time they really tried to move down-market was the X-Type, which while not a bad car, messed up in these areas. Fortunately, it looks like Tata is willing to continue the recent trend of pulling the correct elements together (e.g. aluminum construction, great styling, strong performance, high-level content) and placing it at the correct price point.
On that last consideration, the rumor mill has been all over the place. Some recent articles in British publications were speculating prices that put it too close to the XK, which would be a fatal move. IMO, if this car gets too far above $55K in the US, they may as well not bother, since it will be going head to head with the Z-4 and Boxster/Cayman. What always worked best for Jaguar in their history was when their cars offered performance. styling, and luxury comparable to higher priced competition. They may fare better these days at selling cars priced more at par with their competitors, but it won't be easy if they are higher-priced.
I have to question one of Inside Line's assertions: "Jag's latest naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 is just too expensive and thirsty for a small sports car in this class". They thus speculate a new V-6, developed from the V-8, and possibly turbo'ed. First off, most reports seem to indicate the current Jag V-8 actually has surprisingly good fuel mileage. Right now, I am driving a high-tech turbo'ed inline 6 in a BMW 135i, and I can't say I am impressed by the fuel mileage. As far as cost goes, one wonders whether it would be more or less expensive to develop a brand new engine, even if it's effectively the V-8 with two cylinders lopped off, versus putting in a V-8 that is already developed and fully tooled. The V-8 would certainly give the C-Type a real initial marketing advantage over the competition.
calspecial68 says:
09:35 PM, 01/14/2010
Despite Jaguar design being cut and pasted over all their cars after the XF, the C-Type is still a stunning auto and i still want to see it out on the road. Cant wait for it to join the luxo-droptop fray! Should be interesting!
seanje says:
05:29 PM, 01/14/2010
Good decision, both look awesome, but the C convertible is beautifully menacing.
jm1212 says:
07:15 AM, 01/14/2010
If they really wanted to, they could make that C-type one sexy coupe.
luxurycarlover says:
03:23 PM, 01/13/2010
Both look good, but the C Type looks amazing...Jaguars look amazing lately
zoomzoomn says:
12:32 PM, 01/13/2010
I like the convertible, but don't care much for the reverse angle on the coupe. Looks like the new Lincoln MKS. And what gives with the blacked out C-pillars on this coupe and the new sedan they have out. It looks stupid and tacked. Jags are suppossed to look graceful and powerful.
heyjude says:
11:36 AM, 01/13/2010
Chopping two cylinders off the Jag V8 to make a V6 -- of course there would be room between the fenders, because the resulting V6 would be the same width. But it would also be a 90-degree V6, which is not desirable for a high-performance application. They could simply buy the 60-degree 3.7 305-hp V6 from Ford (2011 Mustang) and tweak it for a bit more -- 325 hp should be easy and it would outclass the Boxster and SLK -- but be cheaper to maintain and service.
chopperx says:
09:24 AM, 01/13/2010
convertible is HOTNESS! Now that is what a Jag should look like WOW
coupe not so much from the back - same stupid c-pillar treatment and ugly tail lights
redwoodaggie says:
07:35 AM, 01/13/2010
That is definitely hot. I like it better than the sedan as well.