Jaguar C-X16 ‘production concept’ car revealed ahead of Frankfurt

Jaguar C-X16 - the new Jaguar XE

We’ve been running stories on Jaguar’s spiritual successor to the E-Type – the Jaguar XE – for what seems like an eternity. Now, finally, the reality starts to catch up with the expectation  with the release of a single sketch of the  Jaguar C-X16 ‘production concept’ car.

The C-X16 Production Car is, according to Jaguar, a first look at the production concept which will make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jaguar say the C-X16 - which may, or may not, end up being the Jaguar XE or any number of alternative monikers when it does arrive – is a  ”…precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.”

What that translates to is what we’ve been telling you for a very long time. The XE will be built on a shortened version of the next XK platform and will come as both a Roadster and a Coupe. In fact, we had expected it to arrive as a Roadster, but the sketch we’ve got of the C-X16 seems to suggest it’s a coupe.

Engines will be a new generation of V6 petrols (about time too – the old V6 petrol lump has been relegated to China as it’s too dirty for Europe or the USA) and – although Jaguar tell us we shouldn’t believe it – a 3.0 litre diesel version too.

And although it won’t happen out of the gate when the XE launches at the end of 2012, it would be extremely likely to offer a V8 at some point – there’s going to be enough space.

As the release from Jaguar is actually very thin on detail, let’s focus on what Ian Callum – Jaguar’s master of car design – has to say about the Jaguar C-X16:

Great Jaguars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, to excite and invigorate.

Ian understands all that makes a modern Jaguar everything it should be, both cosmetically and dynamically. His words make the prospect of the Jaguar XE, or Jaguar C-X16 or whatever you want to call Jaguar’s new sports car, an enticing prospect.

We’ll get all the details on 12th September.

By Cars UK