The Jaguar XE has been revealed to the world at an event held at Earl’s Court, London as a true driver’s car. Borrowing some of the best styling elements from Jaguar’s current lineup the aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new Jaguar/Land Rover modular vehicle architecture. The long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile. The brand new ‘XE’, could be the most important car Jaguar has launched in a very long time.
The XE is the company’s new small sports saloon, and will wade into the deep waters against the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class. The car is based around what Jaguar calls an aluminum intensive architecture, with hollow-cast aluminum for the suspension to keep everything light and stiff. The front suspension design is related to the F-Type’s double-wishbone setup, while the rear gets an independent multi-link arrangement.
“Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE’s positioning as a serious driver’s car,” said Ian Callum Head of Jaguar design. “The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it’s standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-Type and will stand apart in the crowd.”
Engines are all new and have been dubbed ‘Ingenium’, the first of which sees a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel that manages 75mpg and slips under 100g/km of CO2, alongside a 2.0-litre petrol unit. They’re both a whopping 80kg lighter than Jaguar’s current four-cylinder. The four-cylinder engine with its aluminum block is modular, alterable in 500cc increments up or down with the ability to incorporate hybrid elements. So a 1.5-litre triple could be on the cards, as well as a 3.0-litre V6 in both petrol and diesel variants.
The 340-hp model will be the range-topping entry, that is at least until Jaguar decides to shoehorn its blown 5.0-liter V8 for the inevitable R and RS variants, and can hit 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.
The interior adds to this ambiance too, with a new eight-inch high-definition multimedia touchscreen in the center console. The car will be built in two brand new factories in Jaguar’s heartland: one in Solihull to build the car, and one in Wolverhampton to build the engines.
Now for the bad news: While the XE officially launches next year as a 2016 model in the UK, customers in the US won’t be able to get their hands on it until 2016, wearing a 2017 model year designation.
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