- Jaguar is planning to expand its product range with several new models, including an F-Type roadster.
- Jaguar executives have said the production of the F-Type is now "imminent."
- Auto Express said the roadster could be joined by a Jaguar XF wagon and coupe as well as a new X-Type sedan.
LONDON — Jaguar Cars is planning to expand its product range with several new models, including a Porsche Boxster rival badged the F-Type that has been on again, off again for at least a decade.
According to Britain's Auto Express, quoting Jaguar executives Carl-Peter Forster and Ralf Speth, production of the F-Type is now "imminent," thanks to Indian parent Tata, which has said it plans to invest $1.5 billion a year over the next five years in its Jaguar Land Rover operations.
Speculation about production of the F-Type — originally envisioned in Browns Lane in pre-Ford days as a spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type — dates back more than a decade. Under Ford's ownership, Jaguar at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show unveiled an F-Type concept, which in turn was inspired by the XK180 concept revealed at the 1998 Paris Auto Show.
Since then, rumors have been rampant that the F-Type was a go, then delayed once again due to lack of funding.
Auto Express quoted Jaguar Land Rover Chairman Speth, a former Ford of Europe executive, as saying, "A new sports car is coming....We have a new momentum. There is so much potential."
Tata chief executive Forster, who most recently headed GM of Europe, was quoted as saying, "We like the idea [of a sports car], we support the idea. [Designer] Ian Callum has been working on some ideas along these lines, and we like what we see. We are at the clay-model stage, tweaking the idea here and there."
Auto Express said the roadster could be joined by a Jaguar XF wagon and coupe as well as a new X-Type sedan aimed at the BMW 3 Series.
Inside Line says: We expect the latest incarnation of the F-Type, from Jaguar design boss Ian Callum, won't look anything like the concepts from a decade ago. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
higgsboson says:
07:27 PM, 07/08/2010
Now, this is lovely. And no delusions about being a 2+2 as they have with the XE. This is a Jag. No other marque can even touch the cues.
audirs4 says:
08:19 AM, 06/02/2010
Jag is not going down market with a 3 series. They made a huge mistake and they killed the product line-up with cheapo X types.
Tata is doing very good marketing with JAG and pushing eveything more upscale. All V8 engines in the Xf's with lots of HP. Great styling with the new XJ.
They need a convertible in the 55-65k range. The xk is pricey and not everybody wants to spend 90 grand for a ragtop.
Jag's are better off catering to 50k and up price range.
sprocketboy says:
06:40 PM, 06/01/2010
I saw one of the XK180 show cars (I think two were built) at a car show in Berlin in 1999. It may be a decade old, but I still want one...
mrcar509 says:
06:01 PM, 06/01/2010
What an amazing looking car. I never knew Jag made such a thing!!!
luxurycarlover says:
03:53 PM, 06/01/2010
and a new 3 series fighter would be great
luxurycarlover says:
03:43 PM, 06/01/2010
awesome jags today are amazing