Geneva motor show 2012: Jaguar SUV, C-X16 planned

Jaguar’s future product line-up will grow to encompass an SUV, as well as a completely new kind of model to rival the BMW 3-series, Autocar has learned.

Speaking on the eve of the Geneva motor show, the firm’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark also confirmed the image-building C-X16 sports car was close to being signed off for production, and the C-X75 hypercar would boast Bugatti Veyron performance from 0-100mph, an all-electric range to exceed the Chevrolet Volt, and Toyota Prius level of CO2 emissions.

Hallmark said there would first be six significant products launched within the next two years based on the current line-up, including new engines, facelifts of existing cars and new variants altogether. These are likely to include an XFR-S model, a facelift for the Jaguar XJ, more premium versions of the Jaguar XK and a four-cylinder diesel option for the XJ.

Once Jaguar has refined its current range, it will then turn its attentions to its current model line-up. The C-X16 is likely to come to market first. It will be positioned between the Porsche Cayman R and Porsche 911 Carrera on price in its base form, and its range will include a full line-up of models such as hardcore GT3 versions.

Once Jaguar has its “image” car, as Hallmark describes it, the firm is likely to turn its attentions to the BMW 3-series. “We can offer a different proposition in that class,” said Hallmark, “that costs more and is worth more but it is more than worth the extra outlay.”

This model would significantly boost Jaguar volumes in its traditional core markets – UK, US and Europe – but its worldwide expansion will come with the launch of a new SUV, which will share its mechanicals with a Land Rover model.

“It will lead to more geographical growth,” said Hallmark. “We have the technology in the group and can use it, so why shouldn’t we? It’s not a top priority and as a group we already dominate the SUV segment, but we can do something different from Land Rover and not harm sales.”

The C-X75 hypercar will top the future Jaguar line-up off. Around 250 will be built, each costing £700,000 plus taxes. Aerodynamic design work on the car is largely now completely, having undergone extensive work in the Williams F1 wind tunnel. The final design is now being refined under the direction of Jaguar design chief Ian Callum.

The C-X75’s Cosworth-developed twin-turbo four-cylinder engine’s development is also at an advanced stage, and it has a claimed specific output of a huge 313bhp per litre. It will be mated to an advanced electric motor with 13 moving parts, and a battery pack with an all-electric range of 60km. CO2 emissions will be “well below 99g/km”, added Hallmark, although the C-X75 is believed to be at least three years from production.