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Ian Callum wanted to call Jaguar's crossover X-Type [w/poll]

Jaguar raised some eyebrows when it announced that it would call its upcoming crossover F-Pace. But the British automaker didn't just pick the name out of a hat. Speaking with Auto Express, Jaguar's design director Ian Callum said the company entertained several possible nameplates for its first crossover, and that he personally advocated for resurrecting the name X-Type. The nameplate was, of course, previously used on the marque's entry-level sedan – the predecessor to the upcoming XE that was based on the front-drive platform of the Ford Mondeo and which was also offered with all-wheel drive. The connection with that much-maligned model is reportedly ultimately what dissuaded the company's marketing gurus from using the nameplate again, even if it might have been more suitable. Another nameplate Coventry reportedly considered was XQ, but the latter letter's use by rival Audi for its crossovers and by former sister company Aston Martin for its personalization range ruled the prospect out for the Leaping Cat marque. Auto Express notes a connection between the name F-Pace and Jaguar's 1960s ad campaign hailing its products as offering a combination of "Grace, Space and Pace." For his part, Callum didn't dismiss the possibility the slogan could could lead to additional models wearing similar nameplates like F-Grace or F-Space. What do you think – did Jaguar pick the right name for its first foray into the crossover market? Share your thoughts in Comments and cast your vote in our poll below.

Jaguar's famed design director Ian Callum is quitting

Jaguar's director of design Ian Callum is officially stepping down. Callum has been with the company for over 20 years, leading numerous important and legendary designs. To name a few, Callum is responsible for recent cars like the Jaguar F-Type, XF and I-Pace. He also designed the C-X75, which was a concept hypercar that Jaguar absolutely should have made. "I have had an incredible career at Jaguar," Callum says. "One of my biggest highlights was creating XF because it represented the beginning of a new era moving Jaguar from tradition to contemporary design — it was a significant turning point in our story." Callum also says he isn't done designing cars — he's even going to continue to act as a consultant for Jaguar after his departure. It's unclear what his main project will be after he leaves in July, but he's left the door open for himself. "I came into this role with a mission to take Jaguar design back to where it deserved to be. It has taken 20 years, but I believe I have achieved what I set out to do. Given the strength of both our products and the design team I feel that now is the right time to move on, both personally and professionally, and explore other design projects," Callum says. In addition to slick sports cars and sultry sedans, Callum is also responsible for leading Jaguar into the era of SUVs and crossovers. He headed up the design for the F-Pace and E-Pace. We found both of those to be some of the better looking crossovers on sale today, so props to Callum for finding and implementing the Jaguar style in the inherently unstylish crossover format. Callum has designed plenty of great cars outside of Jaguar, too. A few examples include the Aston Martin DB7, DB9, Vanquish and Ford Escort Cosworth. Our big question is, what's next for Callum? Whatever car he decides to design is probably going to look the business, so we're excited for any projects he gets involved in after Jaguar. Taking his place at Jaguar is current creative design director Julian Thomson. He's been with the company since 2000, and has previously worked with Ford, Lotus and Volkswagen.

The Lister SUV-E is a faster Jaguar I-Pace

The Jaguar I-Pace is getting a bump from Lister. Yes, Lister of all companies is going to be selling a limited amount of what it calls the Lister SUV-E. It’s more than just some splotches of paint and a higher price tag, too. Lister says it gave the Jag a software update, resulting in more horsepower and torque over a standard I-Pace. We donÂ’t know how much more, but Lister is promising a 0-60 mph time of four seconds. ThatÂ’s 0.5 second quicker than a normal I-Pace, so Lister obviously made a significant difference with its tune. However, Lister also managed to remove 220 pounds from the I-Pace through various lightweighting efforts, bringing the curb weight down to 4,482 pounds. So, itÂ’s still heavy, but weÂ’re sure this will feel just a hair better in every way. Carbon fiber parts are the main source of weight loss. Lister has used the lightweight material for the front bumper, hood, splitter, rear bumper, roof spoiler and rear diffuser. Carbon ceramic brakes and titanium wheels lower the unsprung weight of the car, too. Strangely, Lister says it has a “more aggressive exhaust sound.” WeÂ’re not sure what that is going to consist of, but it could be cooler than the spaceship electric noises the I-Pace makes as of now. A fully-adjustable suspension should also aid handling — Lister says itÂ’s even lower than the regular I-Pace. All of this goodness will cost you, as the Lister is going to be priced at GBP125,000. ThatÂ’s $161,025 converted to American dollars. Yowza.  Green Jaguar Crossover Hatchback Electric Luxury Performance