When you think of Jaguar, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it is three decades of junk. Jaguar is known for being a chronic money loser, producing mainly humdrum vehicles and its executives have watched its prestige and relevancy wither. But sometime within the new millennium, Jaguar discovered the modern era. They hired Ian Callum to head up the design department, the new XK debuted and the world took notice. The XF concept debuted next and people were wondering what had happen to the once old and sagged Jaguar.

The production XF was met with rave reviews. When 2008 rolled around and Ford announced that Jaguar was up for sale, Indian automaker Tata took the leap and bought Jaguar. Since the sale, Jaguar has been increasing sales and the new XJ has also entered into the sales fray. Now with a new owner and some money, Jaguar is looking to expand its luxury offerings from its current three car lineup. What cars are they looking at? It’s time to pull out the crystal ball and take a close look at what could be coming to Jaguar in the next five to seven years.

- Date of Arrival: 2011 – 2014

Remember the Jaguar X-Type Sedan and Wagon introduced in 2001? A Jaguar using the Ford Contour & Mondeo/Mercury Mystique platform and engines going through either an AWD or FWD drivetrain to compete with the entry level luxury sedans. However it was dead on arrival with it being a bland design and having below level reliability even for a Jaguar. However, Jaguar is willing to give it another chance. The design will pull ideas from the R-D6 Concept shown in 2003, no fish mouth grill but the barn doors (Back door latch is on the other side) could be one item pulled. Engine choices will be a Diesel 4-Cylinder, V6, and a possible supercharged V6 for the R model.

- Date of Arrival 2011 – 2014

The XF is Jaguar’s best selling vehicle so far this year. Jaguar chairman Ralf Speth said:

“The sales success of the XF shows that we can compete, but it’s only one model – we need more vehicles in that family.�

So what models will be joining the XF Sedan? Does a wagon, a coupe, and a convertible sound like the perfect additions? Jaguar thinnks so. The wagon will use the sedan wheelbase while the coupe and convertible use a shorten wheelbase. The convertible will sport a soft top unlike the hardtop offerings by competitors.  Engines will carry over from the sedan; a V6, V8, supercharged V8, and two Diesel V6s. Also an R version with its 510 hp supercharged V8 will be joining as well.

- Date of Arrival 2012 – 2016

Ah the F-Type, the mystical creature of Coventry, Great Britain. This car has more stories about it’s potential existence than the Loch Ness Monster. The new rumor going around is Jaguar has actually given the  F-Type the green light. The design will follow the lines of 1998 XK180 concept, but will have some of the modern Jaguar design language with it; a front mesh grill, a front hood bulge, and hood vents. Engine choices will be a V6, V8, and the Supercharged V8 mated to a six speed manual.

- Date of Arrival 2013 – 2014

Jaguar is projected to join the hybrid club within the next few years. Prototypes have been running around the Coventry headquarters powered by a diesel engine. The first model will be the XJ since it will able to sallow the extra cost of hybrid parts. A gas and diesel hybrid version will come out with the inclusion of an eight-speed automatic transmission, a first for Jaguar.

- Date of Arrival 2015 – 2017?

The XE supercar: ask anyone at Jaguar about this vehicle and they’ll stay quiet or say it doesn’t exist. But this mystical supercar has been talked about for the longest time. Some people at Jaguar want to see the brand do another supercar. What could we expect? The name of the vehicle will be the XE. Its chassis and body panels will be all aluminum like the XJ and XK. Composites and alloys will used for the tub of the vehicle. The engine will be the supercharged V8 from the XFR and XKR and be modified to produce 600+ horsepower. The engine will be mounted amid-ship and have a six speed manual transmission. However, sources claim the supercar has been shelved for now to work on the F-Type.

Other guesses:

Could we see another V6 into the new XJ? The previous XJ had a six cylinder option and the XF’s 3.0 liter V6 could be the engine used.

Diesel Options for the US? Audi, BMW, and Mercedes have a diesel option for a few of their vehicles, why not Jaguar? Part could be due to the US’s stricter emission standards for diesels. However if Jaguar decides to expect the 3.0 liter diesel V6 for the XJ and XF to come over.

Sources: Autoexpress, 2, 3, 4, 5, Car

Filed under: Editorial