Jaguar has confirmed that they are planning a new Jaguar X-Type, a small Jaguar XE Sports car and a Jaguar XF Estate.
Apologies to Murray Walker for stealing his catchphrase, but with three new Jaguar models getting the green light it seemed appropriate.
We’ve had endless speculation on Jaguar’s future models – a game we admit to indulging in – but now comes confirmation from Jaguar that the future for Jaguar is looking very bright, with new models and expanded ranges galore. Well, perhaps not galore in the Audi meaning of the word, but certainly galore from a Jaguar perspective.
We reported recently that JLR CEO Ralf Speth had said that the Jaguar XF needed more models in the range. That was supported by Tata CEO Carl-Peter Forster who told Automobilewoche that we can expect a new Jaguar X-Type and an F-Type (a small roadster likely to be the Jaguar XE) and that there would be at least a Jaguar XF Estate and a LWB XF for the Chinese Market.
All of which is very welcome. But to save any misunderstanding of what exactly these two Jaguar bosses are talking about we thought we’d ask Jaguar to give us specifics. Which they have, and we quote Jaguar verbatim:
Small Jaguar (successor to the X-TYPE). We are currently in the process of firming up our future cycle plans and one of the areas we are investigating is the opportunity for a smaller Jaguar (below XF). This is a longer term ambition – it is not yet in our cycle plan. We are currently exploring a number of options. This is not necessarily going to be a direct replacement of the X-TYPE sedan, although it could be.
Jaguar sports car. We have made no secret of our desire to produce a small sports car and are currently progressing plans in relation to this. Work is at an early stage (senior management is viewing clay models). This not a replacement for the XK. We have nothing to add at this time in respect of further confirmation, details or timing.
XF Estate/Wagon. We have conducted a detailed review of our current range with a view to understanding the opportunities for brand expansion. An XF estate is a model you could expect to see in the future. We have nothing to add at this time in respect of further confirmation, details or timing.
All of which is Jaguar-speak for yes, we’re building a new X-Type in a few years time; you can expect to see the XF Estate any time soon and the Small sports car (what we expect to be the Jaguar XE) should be Motor Show ready in 2011.
So goodies to look forward to with certainty. And still room to speculate on a halo Grand Tourer at the top, an XF Coupe and Roadster and whatever our fevered imaginations can conjure up.
And the joy of the biggest Jaguar model range in its 75 year history.
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