For the past several weeks, rumors have been circulating about a possible new model from Jaguar to compete with the Porsche 911. The project has not yet been approved, but Jaguar insiders have described it as the “top priority” for the automaker in terms of targeting a new niche.
Well-placed sources recently confirmed Jaguar presented the idea to Tata Motors, which is likely to acquire the company from Ford. Since the project is so early on, a final design probably doesn’t even exist yet. But that didn’t stop our artists from creating an illustration of how such a vehicle might look.
Jaguar is widely expected to borrow some design cues from the popular F-Type concept, with a more modern twist. Our illustration depicts a car with a shorter overall wheelbase than the XK, plus an F-Type-inspired nose.
Even if approved, the two-seater is still a few years away. Tata’s “can-do” mindset might lead to a faster development process, but we’re still in for a long wait. Using an existing platform — such as a shortened version of the XK chassis — might also help bring the new model to market sooner.
The puristic sports car could wear the F-Type badge, but Jaguar appears to be switching to a lineup of models starting with “X,” so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a different nameplate.
02/08, 2:24 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Jaguar goes with this fish-face on their coupes
Not feelin’ it.
DrFill
02/08, 2:35 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
A lot of cars look like they have fish or cartoon faces. So what?
Too early to tell what to make of this. It’ll be interesting if it gets made.
02/08, 2:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Wow! A squished Camaro with a Buick nose. I’m feelin’ something alright.
02/08, 2:40 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
the front gives me too much of a solstice feel.
02/08, 2:44 PM
posted by:
bdizzlefizzle
Now that Jag and Aston aren’t under the same owner, it would make sense. They couldn’t do it before, though, as Aston was the British Porsche fighter for Ford.
02/08, 2:48 PM
posted by:
Veda
The only thing the XK has is style. Everything else is below the M6. If this is going to be around $60K, then maybe it’ll have a chance. Either way it has to be priced below the Cayman S.
02/08, 3:58 PM
posted by:
monkeybars
Alfa 8C anyone?
02/08, 4:06 PM
posted by:
F451
Drivers’ over five-feet tall need not apply.
02/08, 4:17 PM
posted by:
SR
LLN – I’m glad it didn’t “stoop” your artists…
02/08, 7:03 PM
posted by:
Rover3500
Must be a slow news day at LLN
02/08, 7:37 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
This looks more in line with Jaguars previous design language and nothing like the style that was set forth with the XF. I think this illustrator is way off the mark with this sketch…
02/08, 7:37 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
Looks better than a POrSche 911.
02/08, 8:36 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Jaguar! Bring back the XJ220! There problem solved!
02/08, 10:31 PM
posted by:
autonut
Ford’s oval attached to japanese cartoon
02/08, 11:42 PM
posted by:
F451
@autonut, Ford anime? Is Jaguar secretly being purchased by the Japanese through Tata?
02/09, 12:36 AM
posted by:
RicardoHead
You mean a Jag Anime like this? …. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k148/WaaaaHoooo/Jaganime.jpg
02/09, 12:36 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Might be able to compete in terms of performance but never on history.
02/09, 4:13 AM
posted by:
mg198242
The Stig is right!
It reminds me of a 2000 Jaguar XK180 Concept, but this is somehow worse; Hell, I think I’ll stick with the 911 for the years to come, again!!!
Anyway, wasn’t the old XK8 from the late 90s a 911 fighter, why this title like it’s the first 911 fighter from Jag?!?!?!?!
02/09, 11:43 AM
posted by:
F451
@Stig “Might be able to compete in terms of performance but never on history.”
Therein lies the true legacy of Jaguar, or lack of.
02/09, 11:45 AM
posted by:
F451
@RicardoHead, Hey, pretty good! Now, rebadge this as the new NSX, and the secret is out.
02/09, 1:19 PM
posted by:
rsg
Wow. Somebody completely unaffiliated with Jaguar drew a picture of a car based on zero information and this is news? Ummm, okay. Incidentally the pic looks like it’s at least 5 years old based on the design cues.
02/09, 3:07 PM
posted by:
Noah
FOO-EEE
02/09, 5:25 PM
posted by:
autonut
Thanks Ricardo. Tastefully done.
02/09, 9:18 PM
posted by:
stick2clutch
RSG, my thoughts exactly… commenting on this is so irrelevant.
Ricardo, Nicely done!
02/11, 5:36 AM
posted by:
V2
Every time I see a new jaguar article I just have to laugh. Why doesn’t jaguar just die? Nobody buys these **** cars and to say they are going to make a 911 competitor is an insult to the great German company. Just let Tata motors buy this 2-bit company so jaguar can produce a new line of up market tractors and farm equipment for the ****ing Indians.
02/11, 5:41 AM
posted by:
Poisonous Cinquecento
Maybe if British stopped concentrating on being 2-bit carsalesmen and recruiters they could actually buy some pride back.
02/11, 2:36 PM
posted by:
Noah
V2
I absolutely agree with you. Maybe jag has a PR dept that just won’t die.