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Jaguar's Future in the 21st Century.
by Traian Popescu Jaguar. The symbol of power and a classic British elegance has, in the eyes of some, substantially lost its appeal. The reason for these views is rooted directly in the role
played by Ford in the development of the current and future Jaguar models, including the shameless partition by the Ford Mondeo, Lincoln LS and Jaguar of a common parts bin. From certain outlooks, this outweighs the
fact that these are two of Ford's finest cars, simply proof that the collaboration between the two companies benefits Ford rather than hurts Jaguar. Jaguar's own models are undoubtedly also very good. Available
right now is the X-Type, the smallest sibling and the latest criticism focus. Two engine options are available, both versions of the all-aluminium AJ-V6 based on the Ford Duratec: a 2.5-litre
194-horsepower powerplant and a 3.0L 231hp V6. Both models are equipped with all-wheel-drive and a centre differential that routes 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels, an essential
difference from the fwd Mondeo. The driver can manually operate the gears or opt for the automatic with the traditional J-gate shifter, both 5-speed options.
Supple suspension, neutral handling, powerful brakes and brisk acceleration (0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds for the 231hp machine) achieve Jaguar's goal for an exciting if not overly sport-oriented drive. The only
area where the X-Type fails to deliver is the interior. The ghastly steering wheel is the most evident, and the ugly dash doesn't do anything to help. Hopefully, Jaguar will be able to demonstrate very good build
quality to make up for the aesthetic shortcomings.  The most imminent future Jags are the hot-rod versions of
the S and later the X-Type, both entitled "R." First to arrive will be the S-Type R in 2002, reportedly the fastest road-going Jaguar ever. Its centrepiece is clearly the engine,
a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 version of the AJ-V8 that produces 400hp and 400lb-ft of torque. As a result, the R rushes to 60mph in 5 seconds and runs flat out at 165mph. Other discerning components include the new
double-wishbone suspension front and rear, tighter steering and ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox. The auto box will be the only option and together with the softer-than-German
suspension, should result, in the words of Jaguar, in a more relaxed "better all-rounder." One that is, consequently, unlikely to topple the BMW M5 in terms of dynamic performance. Unfortunately the
exterior receives more than its fair share of tacky add-on pieces, including a new set of alloy wheels, chrome pieces and a wire mesh grille, almost all out of place and out of style amid Jaguar's subtle luxury.
When in makes its debut in late 2003, the X-Type R will be powered by a substantially re-engineered, supercharged version of the 3.0L AJ-V6, which will provide 330hp and 330lb-ft of twist. The R also
picks up an extra gear over its lesser sibling for a total of 6, in both manual and automatic guises. The suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires will also receive upgrades, while the interior will be furnished with
green suede trim, red instruments and brushed aluminium across the dash. Not to be outdone by the BMW M3 and Mercedes C32 AMG, the X-Type R will likely reach 60mph in 5 seconds and a top
speed of 160mph, while still remaining reasonably affordable at approx. 35,000 GBP.  Splitting the smaller sedans in terms of due dates,
Jaguar's flagship sedan, the XJ, is set to appear in early 2003; externally longer, higher, wider and more aggressive than the current car it replaces. The longer wheelbase allows an increase in cabin size
and interior room, hopefully a large part of which will aid rear passengers who are currently the most neglected. Despite the increase in size, the large Jag doesn't pick up any extra heft; in fact it becomes
lighter with the use of aluminium construction Audi A8-style and aerospace adhesives for bonding the structure rather than welds. This brings the total weight to approx. 3500lb, a reduction of about 440lb.
Larger engines using a longer stroke with new internals and remapped ignition settings will consist of a 3.3-litre 250hp V6, a 4.3-litre 300hp V8 and a supercharged 400hp range-topper for the XJR, identical
to the one featured in the S-Type R. A direct injection turbo-diesel and an entry-level 3-litre engine based on the S-Type's 240hp Duratec V6 may also appear.
An even more intense version of the XKR plus the F-Type R 2-door set to compete with the Porsche Boxster S are also in the pipeline. The "purists" may have already given up, but those who are eagerly
awaiting a line-up of true Jaguar sports and luxury sedans may soon have their wishes answered. |
