Frankfurt: Jaguar C-X16 Makes Show Debut
Glitzy night on the town for Jag's 911 rival
What's the same size as a 911(ish), can match an Aston Martin Vantage for performance, and costs the same as a spec'ed-up Porsche Cayman? Yep, it's the new Jaguar C-X16, on the prowl for the first time on the mean streets of Frankfurt.
Well OK, it's not actually been prowling the streets, but it's certainly been making a big noise in the town. Tonight Jaguar took over Frankfurt's newly renovated Thurn Palais for a media preview of a machine destined to take the fight to Germany's sports car specialists, and its introduction by chief designer Ian Callum was received with spontaneous applause from the assembled hacks.
While the firm won't officially confirm the C-X16 for production, everyone knows it's coming. And in fact, while concept cars traditionally lead us on flights on fancy, the C-X16 on show in Frankfurt is fully-engineered and fully regulation compliant in every single area apart from the internal structures of its seats. Even the hybrid tech with it's 'push to pass' button has been engineered for real life - so basically the whole plot is technically feasible in the condition we see it now.
Speaking tonight, Jag's global brand boss Adrian Hallmark confirmed the car (if/when built..!) will be pitched at €60k-€80k depending on powertrain options, which should make it look very good value against the new 911 (Albeit without the benefit of the 2+2 option.)
While there's been no official statement on what those powertrain options would be, it's expected that the supercharged hybrid version will be the range-topper, and a normally aspirated six-cylinder version is likely to be the lead-in car.
So why won't they just go ahead and announce the car is a go-er today? It's all down to perception, says Adrian, who reckons the car buying public have still to get used to the idea of the 'small' Jaguar sportscar being a genuine 911 contender, and not a Boxster rival - which is the small Jag we've all been expecting/hoping for, over the last decade or so...
You can read all about the C-X16 in our earlier article here.
That said, it will be interesting to read the inevitable comparison reports and I wonder how many speculators will be on board at launch, snapping up a couple of early models and charging a £10k premium.....
That said, it will be interesting to read the inevitable comparison reports and I wonder how many speculators will be on board at launch, snapping up a couple of early models and charging a £10k premium.....
There have been concepts that have been equally well received but I can't help but think that this will end up being a pivotal car for
Good Luck to them.
It is a shame it is no longer British owned but maybe this would never have bene possible had it been.
BB
There have been concepts that have been equally well received but I can't help but think that this will end up being a pivotal car for
Good Luck to them.
It is a shame it is no longer British owned but maybe this would never have bene possible had it been.
BB
For me I just wish their new models could actually tow a decent trailer (downside of aluminum) and there was still an awd option. Sadly, it looks like I'll keep the X Type and XJR X308 around as long as I can. While beautiful I don't see a 2 seat Jaguar taking the place of my TVR anytime soon but it might make a good 1st car for my daughter in 10 years.
There have been concepts that have been equally well received but I can't help but think that this will end up being a pivotal car for
Good Luck to them.
It is a shame it is no longer British owned but maybe this would never have bene possible had it been.
BB
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