First Thoughts on the X-Type Replacement

[Jaguar Owner]

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1...for-the-x-type

[Thomas Shemanski]

If the new "X-Type" follows current Jag styling cues, it might look similar to the new Volvo S60, albeit with a much classier interior. Hopefully, retro styling at Jaguar is dead, although I still admire the looks of the S-Type, especially the R version.

[Jaguar Owner]

Here's the latest from AutoExpress:

Rumormill: Jaguar working on aluminum X-Type successor
by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Jul 24th, 2010 at 5:05PM

Tata Motors chief executive Carl-Peter Forster has acknowledged that Jaguar needs a smaller, higher-volume vehicle and it appears that just such a car is already under development. Unlike the less-than-stellar X-Type which was based on the second-generation Ford Mondeo, the new car should actually be a real Jaguar.

Jaguar is reportedly working on a new modular aluminum platform that would be shared between the new smaller car, the mid-sized XF and the next-generation XK. In renderings posted by AutoExpress at least, the baby Jag bears a strong resemblance to the XF but with curvier rear haunches and XJ-style taillamps. Of course, what the real thing will ultimately look like is anyone's guess.

Power will likely come from downsized and boosted four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, with the current 3.0-liter diesel V6 as a range-topper. Also look for a hybrid to enter the mix. All of this will help Jaguar meet the new EU CO2 emissions limits once the new smaller Jaguar debuts, which could happen as soon as soon as 2012.

[Source: AutoExpress]

[Chris X]

The "real Jaguar" statement still irritates me (obviously biased as an X type owner). Like the S type wasn't a Lincoln LS. Like platform sharing is such a horrible thing. The new Ferrari has Fiat parts bin items for interior switchgear. Guess it's not a "real Ferrari".....

Anyway, I look forward to seeing some "real Jaguar" drawings/sketches/photos of the concept.

[Thomas Shemanski]

Originally Posted by Chris X

The "real Jaguar" statement still irritates me (obviously biased as an X type owner). Like the S type wasn't a Lincoln LS. Like platform sharing is such a horrible thing. The new Ferrari has Fiat parts bin items for interior switchgear. Guess it's not a "real Ferrari".....

Anyway, I look forward to seeing some "real Jaguar" drawings/sketches/photos of the concept.

I agree. Platform and component sharing are becoming a way of life for most manufacturers in order to get some benefit from economy of scale. We are going to see a lot of partnerships developing between large manufacturers and smaller ones. Look at the recent deal between Daimler Benz and Nissan/Renault. Expect BMW to quietly work a similar deal soon. It would pay for Tata to do the same. Another thing - do you believe that people in the US will accept a 4 cylinder Jag? I don't think so.

[Jonathan Buchbinder]

Originally Posted by Thomas Shemanski

Another thing - do you believe that people in the US will accept a 4 cylinder Jag? I don't think so.

Whether they will accept it...I don't know. But they won't build it. I'm betting they get Ford's new EcoBoost 2.0 liter engine that was announced with the new Ford Explorer this morning. I can't imagine that the XT replacement hasn't been in the works for quite a while. (No way Jag can start talking about the car now and have it ready in two model years.) I'm betting the X-Type replacement has been in the pipeline so long that Ford is required by contract to provide the engine (and the old V-6) to Jaguar after the Tata sale. Jag and Tata don't have the money to develop new engine(s) and all the new cars we're hearing about with Tata's money.

[JoseRivera]

Originally Posted by Chris X

The "real Jaguar" statement still irritates me (obviously biased as an X type owner). Like the S type wasn't a Lincoln LS. Like platform sharing is such a horrible thing. The new Ferrari has Fiat parts bin items for interior switchgear. Guess it's not a "real Ferrari".....

Anyway, I look forward to seeing some "real Jaguar" drawings/sketches/photos of the concept.

DEW98 platform developed by mostly Jaguar engineers, LS used a Jaguar v8 and suspension. LS was basically a Jaguar. S-type was not an LS. They were developed at the same time. I do agree that platform sharing is not bad though.

[Chris X]

Originally Posted by JoseRivera

DEW98 platform developed by mostly Jaguar engineers, LS used a Jaguar v8 and suspension. LS was basically a Jaguar. S-type was not an LS. They were developed at the same time. I do agree that platform sharing is not bad though.

Chicken or egg Jose, point being is that cars share parts across brands. I didn't mean to offend any S type owners and maybe I picked a bad example but you get the idea.

As for a 4 banger in the X replacement - if it has a turbo, I'm cool with it. Actually that would be a positive for me being a long time Saab nut. Twin turbo six however would be mo' better, perhaps as a range topper "R" version.

In my area, I believe the market is there for this car if it is AWD. I still see X types all over the place. Very popular in this area due to the hilly terrain/crappy winters, so AWD is a desirable option.

[Thomas Shemanski]

I'm in agreement with Chris about the AWD option. I see more X-Types in my area than ever and I suspect that the AWD has a lot to do with that. Most of the new BMW's and Benzes that I encounter are AWD. It is a desirable option when you live in a mountainous area that can get snow 5 months out of the year.

[JoseRivera]

Originally Posted by Chris X

Chicken or egg Jose, point being is that cars share parts across brands. I didn't mean to offend any S type owners and maybe I picked a bad example but you get the idea.

As for a 4 banger in the X replacement - if it has a turbo, I'm cool with it. Actually that would be a positive for me being a long time Saab nut. Twin turbo six however would be mo' better, perhaps as a range topper "R" version.

In my area, I believe the market is there for this car if it is AWD. I still see X types all over the place. Very popular in this area due to the hilly terrain/crappy winters, so AWD is a desirable option.

There is a twin turbo inline 6 built on the same line as the AJ-V8. They should just use that imo. The noses are definitely long enough.