Jaguar chief ticks the box for ‘F-Type’

JAGUAR’S new chief has outlined an extensive model expansion plan that commits the British car-maker to a high-performance two-door roadster, an X-Type replacement and a wagon version of the XF.

Tata Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster, who is also in charge of the Indian company’s newly acquired Jaguar and Land Rover operations, listed the new models in an interview with German magazine Automobilwoche in which he details what Jaguar must do to be successful.

The former Opel boss gave the thumbs up to a sporty roadster and spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type that would compete with the Porsche Boxster.

Jaguar has been playing with the idea of such a vehicle since the 1970s, coming close when it developed the F-Type concept at the Detroit motor show in 2000.

That model idea was struck down by then-Jaguar owner Ford, but Tata’s takeover has re-energised the roadster plan, which has the support of long-time Jaguar designer Ian Callum.

While the roadster is bound to attract the most attention, it is a new BMW 3 Series rival that could provide the most volume for the prestige car manufacturer.

From top: Jaguar X-Type, Jaguar XF and Tata CEO Carl-Peter Forster.

Jaguar has just wound up production of the X-Type, a Mondeo-based mid-sizer born of the Ford take-over of the brand, which was supposed to challenge the top-selling BMW and dramatically drive-up Jaguar sales. It is generally viewed as a failure and not replaced.

Mr Forster did not expand greatly on his plan for the new mid-sized model, but suggested that it might not be a mainstream sedan, a position that suggests a different approach to the previous X-Type.

This model is expected to be based on an all-new platform which would give Jaguar the opportunity to make the vehicle a rear-drive like the 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-class. The X-Type was produced in a front-drive and all-wheel drive variants.

A wagon version of the XF sedan is also in the grand plan and will be aimed squarely at the European market.

Mr Forster also suggested that new four-cylinder turbo petrol and four-cylinder turbo diesel engines would be required to meet more economical buying trends. Jaguar Australia recently re-jigged its XF range to help cover the loss of the X-Type model, introducing a sub-$100,000 version.

At $93,900, makes the new XF a far more affordable option, although most other XF models have increased by $3000 in line with a minor upgrade.