Jaguar has just offered a glimpse into its future with the unveiling of the dynamic-looking C-X17 concept model at the Frankfurt Motor Show – a beautiful blend of sports car and crossover design aspects rolled into one.
This venture into new territory is a clear indication that Jaguar has a pre-determined vision for the future.
For the car has been created as a design study to introduce the company’s all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture, which will be the foundation of future Jaguar models.
This architecture will be modular and scalable meaning it will be very flexible and will enable Jaguar to produce a wider range of models.
And to prove just how serious the company is about using this architecture, it is creating 1,700 additional jobs at its Solihull plant and ploughing about £1.7bn into the project.
Although the first Jaguar to be produced using this new platform will be a C/D segment premium sedan expected in 2015, the C-X17 was a great introduction to the technology.
Despite its SUV appearance, there are plenty of instantly recognizable Jaguar characteristics such as its stretched bonnet, trademark grille and sweeping light clusters – all unmistakably Jaguar.
The rear taillights are reminiscent of the F-Type and the sleek lines, steeply raked rear window and spoiler all blend together to create a powerful, yet exceptionally elegant appearance.
Inside the C-X17 there are four individual seats fitted with the finest leather. And the cabin boasts a whole host of luxurious touches and cutting edge technology such as a multi-screen infotainment network that links passengers with each other and the outside world through social media channels.
The C-X17 boasts all-wheel-drive capabilities and power will be provided via a range of engines which will be built at JLR’s new engine production facility which is currently under construction in the UK.
Although the crossover scene is a new testing ground for Jaguar, Director of Design, Ian Callum was determined that the C-X17 would not compromise the time-honoured values of the brand.
He said: “The C-X17 concept highlights the future potential of the Jaguar brand. It’s a vehicle that demonstrates how far we could go with a new lightweight aluminium architecture. It’s an innovative sports crossover that uniquely combines our exciting sports car heritage with flexibility, usability and space like never before. It’s a Jaguar but in a completely different form.”