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Jaguar design boss admits X-Type was a mistake

History has a way of repeating itself, especially in the auto industry. When Jaguar was owned by Ford, the British brand attempted to field a competitor for the BMW 3 Series, called the X-Type. Based on the bones of a Ford Mondeo, it aped the styling of Jaguar's flagship model, the XJ, while borrowing liberally from the Ford parts bin. That was 2001.
Now, in 2013, Jaguar is planning a new 3 Series challenger based on the platform previewed by the C-X17 Concept, while Ford is attempting to take the latest Mondeo upmarket. The moves have both brands recognizing where, why, and how the X-Type failed. "It didn't look mature or powerful or anything. It was just a car," Jaguar's current head of advanced design, Julian Thomson, told PistonHeads. Basing the X-Type on a front-drive car while giving it styling that was meant for a rear-driver lead to proportions that "were plainly wrong," Thomson told PH. Ford's European head of quality, Gunnar Herrmann, added that the X-Type was "a fake Jaguar, because every piece I touch is Ford."
For what it's worth, the X-Type's successor in the segment will sport rear-drive, with plenty of input from Ian Callum. Thomson described the new model, which would challenge the 3 Series as having, "Big wheels right to the ends of the car, low bonnet, short overhangs, very low cabins." Sounds good to us.

Jaguar moves to trademark C-Pace name

Jaguar is again picking up the pace. The manufacturer has filed a new European trademark application with the word "Pace" in it, and this time it's all about the C-Pace. While there is no other info to go with the name, it could very well stand for a new, upcoming compact crossover that would exist as an entry-level vehicle under the F-Pace, E-Pace and the electric I-Pace (which is easily differentiated from the non-electric E-pace, as the I-Pace doesn't use internal combustion). Australia's CarAdvice suggests the eventual range-topping Pace model would be called the J-Pace, to go along with the XJ nameplate that's formed an upscale backbone for Jaguar for decades. As for sedans, the XE is paired with the E-Pace, and the F-Pace corresponds to the XF; with Volvo's crossover versions already reserving the XC name, there's no chance for Jaguar to have a matching C-Pace and XC combination in its portfolio. The C-Pace could also be a crossover coupe version based on either the E-Pace or the F-Pace. The trademark application was filed on July 9, and along with car-related goods and services, the application also covers software and charging stations, even buildings. We'll keep an eye on it. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: CarAdviceImage Credit: AOL Rumormill Jaguar Crossover Future Vehicles jaguar land rover jaguar crossover

Jaguar Project 7 Concept

The Jaguar Project 7 Concept debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed just last month. But unlike most concepts, which serve only to collect fingerprints on a stage, the track-ready one-seater spent its days barreling past the hillclimb crowds with Mike Cross, chief engineer of vehicle integrity at Jaguar, beaming behind its right-hand-drive steering wheel. What's more, the powers that be at Jaguar even let yours truly drive the Project 7 during the Concurs d'Elegance festivities at Pebble Beach last week.
Built on an all-aluminum V8 F-Type chassis with modified suspension, the Project 7 (a name acknowledging Jaguar's seven Le Mans wins between 1951-1990) is best thought of as an F-Type masquerading as a D-Type. The two-door is fitted with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 good for 550 horsepower (no pictures as Jaguar wouldn't allow us to open the hood). An eight-speed automatic, with a torque converter, sends the power the rear wheels, allowing the single-seat roadster to crack the 60-mph benchmark in just over four seconds.
Modifications to the bodywork include a new lowered windshield, carbon-fiber aerodynamics and a rear fairing with integrated rollover hoop. The driving position has also been lowered by more than an inch, allowing the sole occupant to not only escape the airflow, but take advantage of a lower center of gravity.