Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2013, the Jaguar C-X17 Sports Crossover Concept previewed an upcoming SUV from the British luxury manufacturer. However, Jaguar has confirmed that the new model won’t be in fact be referred to as an SUV because such models belong with Land Rover.
While speaking about this with Autocar, Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth said, “A Jaguar SUV is not possible. SUVs and 4x4s are for Land Rover. The Jaguar concept is far more road-orientated. It will need a different kind of name.”
Within the Jaguar Land Rover group, the car is still being referred to as a sports crossover but that name is unlikely to stick for the production car.
While discussing the car further, Speth added, “Of course, it will be a vehicle which looks great and which has a strong stance, but the capability will be very different from a Land Rover. Mike Cross and his vehicle dynamics team will do an extraordinary job to make sure that it is sensational to drive on the road. It will be something special in that regard. Of course, it will not be anything like a sports car, but it will have a very specific character that sets it apart.”
Beneath the skin, the road-going C-X17 will ride on the same aluminium architecture as the XE. It will also be available with similar engines including a selection of petrol and diesel four-cylinders possibly utilising forced induction in the form of twin-turbochargers in top-specification. Thanks to the lightweight architecture, it is hoped the C-X17 will weigh less than the Porsche Macan which it will rival.
[Via Autocar]
