Jaguar XE to get “unmatched” chassis
BY DANIEL GARDNER | 15th Jul 2014
The Indian-owned British car-maker says its vital segment-filling sedan will have a chassis lively enough to match the German heavy-hitters, thanks to lightweight suspension, highly tunable steering and a traction control system that is “a completely new feature in its class”.
Jaguar's chief engineer of vehicle integrity Mike Cross is confident that the brand's heritage and experience in sportscar design has resulted in a class-leading chassis.
“Jaguars have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride,” he said.
“The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years. The Integral Link rear suspension provides a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment.
“We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals”.
Sharing some of the fizzy F-Type sportscar's components, the XE keeps front-end weight to a minimum, with forged double-wishbone suspension supported by cast aluminium suspension towers.
At the back end, the weight-saving continues with more aluminium structures comprising a multi-link set-up, which reportedly offers excellent road-holding without compromising ride-comfort.
Jaguar's All Surface Progress Control is a new take on road-car traction control programs, borrowing technology and off-road experience from its sister company Land Rover to find grip where other rear-drive systems struggle.
Variable electric power steering completes the chassis and incorporates steering dampening, variable ratios and driver assistance and safety features as is becoming commonplace on many road cars.
More technical details will be revealed in the build-up to the international unveiling with more information about the Ingenium engines, transmission options and comfort equipment expected.
Only a few teaser shots of the new Jaguar have been released, but the most recent technology-focused image may reveal how the XE wheels will look.
The layout shows a rolling chassis wearing large five-to-ten spoke alloy rims and low profile rubber, although other options are likely to be offered.
