Jaguar's star entrant at the Detroit auto show last week was not only the most talked-about car there, it also won an award.
US magazine AutoWeek announced that its Editors’ Choice Award for Best in Show 2007 was being awarded to Jaguar for its new C-XF concept car -- the machine on whose broad shoulders rests the company's future, as it bids to shake off the fusty image engendered by the X-type and S-Type retro-mobiles.
"The Jaguar C-XF is the sexiest four-door we’ve seen from Jaguar in years," said Dutch Mandel, editor and associate publisher, AutoWeek. "This car draws a line from Jaguar sedans of the past to Jaguar sedans of the future."
When selecting the winning vehicle for Best in Show, the editorial team looked for the most significant, influential car – the one to remember 10 years down the road.
"With the C-XF, we wanted to create something with strength and a distinctive modern style that will carry Jaguar into the future – something with longevity," said Jaguar's design chief Ian Callum. "Ultimately, AutoWeek’s recognition of this tells us we’ve accomplished our goal."
The all-new Jaguar C-XF concept car, a four-door saloon that blends dynamic, modern features with classic heritage cues, made its debut on 7 January at the show. It houses the same 4.2-litre supercharged engine as the XK, and is a clear indication of the design direction for the company’s design future.
"I am truly delighted for Ian and his team that all their hard work and creativity has been honoured," said Jaguar boss Bibiana Boerio. "While the C-XF is not a production vehicle, it is a true representation of our future design direction. This is just the beginning."
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