Because of the fact that automakers are businesses before dream-makers, it should come as little surprise to get an update from Jaguar design chief Ian Callum via Cars UK that confirmed ongoing efforts to create an all-aluminum crossover from the iconic brand.
For those of you unfamiliar with Callum, the British designer is the masterful artist behind the current lineup of Jaguar products that are helping revitalize the brand.
Also confirmed was the lack of any plan to build a true sport utlity vehicle under the Jaguar nameplate: "An SUV is out of the question. We have a sister company for that," Callum said, referring of course to Land Rover.
What we know so far about the upcoming Jaguar crossover
For starters, as the title mentioned, this CUV will have body panels made entirely of aluminum - a class-exclusive feature for sure. The idea is that Jaguar is setting out to not just create another crossover, but to design something truly unique in terms of style and function. Shedding 4-600 lbs with aluminum panels is certainly one way to get started in that direction.
So why aluminum? Obviously there is a performance benefit virtually across the board with better acceleration, stopping and handling due to the reduction of weight as it fights every change of direction, but another reason is Jaguar's desire to take advantage of economies of scale. Jaguar wants to move 200,000 units a year based on its new aluminum platform, so building an aluminum-based crossover that shares the XJ's platform helps achieve that goal.
Expect an all-wheel drive system derived from the unit being developed for the upcoming XJ to be at least available, if not standard, while the crossover should also benefit from a slew of potential engines ranging from small turbocharged four-cylinders to V6 diesels, and possibly beyond.
The Jaguar crossover will likely bow sometime during 2015, with its main markets being the U.S., Russia and China.
