 |
By Motor Trend
As crossovers take over the market, Jaguar has prepared an appropriate offensive with the F-Pace, E-Pace, and the all-electric I-Pace. But that doesn't mean it's forgotten about sports cars. Speaking with Autocar, Jaguar's product strategy boss suggested the brand is keen on new entries in this category.
Listings
Powered by
"The F-Type has been a huge success," Hanno Kirner said. "We love sports cars—and I use the plural quite deliberately. Whether that is delivered by a body variant or something else remains to be seen, but for now, let's just say that the body type is very important for us."
Considering the F-Type model line debuted for the 2014 model year, it would make sense the car is due for a replacement relatively soon. When it arrives, it's expected to use a development of the current platform, which was heavily modified from the platform on the old XK. According to Autocar, the F-Type's revised platform should be flexible enough to use on a 2+2 car. "I love the idea of a flexible architecture that can give us anything," said Kirner.
Last year, design chief Ian Callum hinted at Jaguar's future regarding sports cars. "I want a two-seater and a 2+2. We're working on something now," he said. "There's nothing approved, but we instigate in design. That's what we do."
Jaguar will offer an electrified powertrain on every model line starting from 2020, and sports cars will be no exception. But Jaguar also seems to be aware that pure electric cars aren't the answer for everyone. "A lot of people like the sound of an engine," Kirner said. "That's a fact, and it is a defining part of a sports car. I absolutely believe that there will be electric sports cars one day, but I also believe there may be a different step of combining the battery and an engine."
COMMENTS