- A range of new powertrains is to debut "within two years."
- Jaguar will move away from being a "V8 brand."
- Jaguar is testing prototypes of XF and XJ models with four-wheel drive.
LOS ANGELES — Jaguar is developing four-wheel drive for the XF and XJ sedans and a new range of powertrains as it seeks to increase its footprint in the U.S. market.
"We are seen as a V8 brand in the U.S.," says Global Brand Director Adrian Hallmark, "but the U.S. is downsizing and we need to respond. Within the next two years we will have new engines, V6s and smaller."
The British company is known to be targeting smaller, four-cylinder turbo engines as it begins work on a successor to the unloved X-Type. Sister company Land Rover already offers a Ford-sourced 2.0-liter turbo in the new Range Rover Evoque. The introduction of diesel engines in the U.S. also remains a strong possibly. Two eco-driving experts recently drove a U.K.-spec XF 2.2 diesel 2,884 miles across the U.S., averaging 55.8 mpg for a PR stunt.
Hybrid powertrains are also in development for both Jaguar and Land Rover products, but Hallmark says this is not a key priority. "They are a very expensive solution and customers are not willing to pay for it." In the short term, Jaguar is likely to focus on using hybrid tech for performance gains. "It makes sense in the C-X16."
More of a priority is four-wheel drive for the XF and XJ. Hallmark makes no secret of his frustration that Jaguar is struggling to compete in the U.S. snowbelt, where four-wheel-drive cars account for 70 percent of sales in the XF class. Prototypes are already testing, and he says Jaguar "is in very intensive discussions to find a solution." These models would boost Jaguar's appeal in the short term, while the company continues work on a crossover.
Coupled with the introduction of these new variants will be a significant marketing push. "The Jaguar brand is famous in the U.S.," says Hallmark, "but people are not so familiar with the current range. We need to communicate what we've got."
Inside Line says: A 4x4 Jaguar sedan with a turbo-4 — who'd have thought it?
Add A Comment »
wackford says:
04:05 AM, 11/22/2011
merc1 says: "Jaguar and LR need to work on reliability and quality first and foremost. "
Jaguar has actually got a pretty good reliability rating at present, certainly according to JD Powers. Of the brands listed, only Lincoln and Lexus equal it's 2011 overall dependability rating.
See: http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/dependability-ratings-by-brand/
rrton says:
11:51 PM, 11/21/2011
Bravo!!! Awd on the XJ and XF are long overdue
vwestchester says:
07:54 PM, 11/21/2011
Why are they referring to "Four Wheel Drive" rather than AWD? 4WD traditionally implies a default RWD setup with a driver selectable transfer case. Any sedan configuration is going to employ a system that is sending at least some power to all axles simultaneously, even if it is a 90/10 split in normal driving conditions.
bimmerjay says:
07:27 PM, 11/21/2011
Ironically, the X-Type had standard AWD on all models.
merc1 says:
04:21 PM, 11/21/2011
A good 320-335hp turbo V6 is all Jaguar needs for the baby sedan and the entry level XF. AWD on the small, XF and XJ will work wonders for their sales.
Problem is I can see all types of bugs in these systems. Jaguar and LR need to work on reliability and quality first and foremost.
M
akula1 says:
03:49 PM, 11/21/2011
"With the Land Rover offices across the hall, who do they need to have "intensive discussions" with?"
Ratan Tata's accountant.
They should borrow a page from Toyota and use Subaru's Asymmetrical AWD and a boosted F-4/6. I've always wanted a Subaru that looked like a Jag inside and out in R/STI form.
jimkwriter says:
03:09 PM, 11/21/2011
Why is the Jaguar driving on the wrong side of the road in this photo?
ktoepke says:
02:40 PM, 11/21/2011
mind_ride: Good one.
motorstreet says:
02:39 PM, 11/21/2011
They need to bring the 270hp 3.0L Twin Turbo diesel engine too, especially if they're getting it approved anyway for the Land Rovers.
goaterguy says:
01:35 PM, 11/21/2011
An AWD XJ with the 2.2 diesel would be my perfect "when I retire" car. I know that's not what Jaguar wants to hear but the combination of style, safety and economy would be awesome. Who really drag races a XJ or drives it over 80 or 90 mph? That is nothing for the very capable 2.2D.