Jaguar F-PACE - Detroit 2015
C-X17 crossover concept to debut at Detroit as production ready 'F-PACE'; 1,300 new jobs as a result
C-X17 'feasibility study' turns out to be ... feasible
Bringing us to Jaguar's coy protestations that "we received such an overwhelmingly positive response to the C-X17 concept car that we just had to make it a reality." We're too polite to dispute that, obviously, but we'll just add that the typical development time for a new model is around three years, and Jaguar insiders have certainly been talking of the F-PACE as a done deal practically since we first saw it.
F-PACE will share much with the XE range
The shared XE underpinnings mean that most versions will be powered by Jaguar's new Ingenium four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, and it's a fair bet that brawnier versions will have V6s and maybe even V8s. Jaguar insiders have previously indicated that the F-PACE will effectively serve as an alternative to an XE wagon, so don't be surprised if we don't see a pure estate version of the new car. Oh, and we're also promised "class leading interior space", which is a bold claim given how roomy rivals like the BMW X3 are.
So it's happening, but is it a good idea? We'll leave that one up to you. But it's fair to say that the runaway success of smaller premium-badged SUVs meant that Jaguar really didn't have much alternative than to join the party, even as the sister brand to a company that just makes SUVs. Let us know what you think...
UPDATE
Off the back of the announcement of the F-PACE Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed its recruitment drive continues unabated and a new production line will be constructed at Solihull creating 1,300 new jobs. Described as a 'factory within a factory', JLR claims it as "Europe's biggest aluminium bodyshop and final assembly hall" and comes on top of the £1.5bn the firm has already invested in such technologies.
Traditionally home to Land Rover, Solihull currently builds the aluminium Range Rover and Range Rover Sport alongside more traditional products like the Defender and Discovery. The XE is the first time Jaguars have been built at Solihull but with addition of the related F-PACE JLR is clearly gearing up for an expected increase in demand.
Interestingly the press release announcing the expansion makes special mention of JLR's open door policy for members of the armed services making the transition into civilian work. "Following its commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for former service personnel in the wake of the Invictus Games, Jaguar Land Rover is welcoming applications from military personnel who are leaving or have left the services," it says. Whatever your background, applications for the new jobs are now being accepted.
[Additional reporting: Dan]
te/bike/camping ste/rubbish for the dump/dog etc are you supposed to be able to tell. I realise at Jag volumes having both XE and XF estates was always going to be a stretch, but still dissapointed if this turns out to be true.
te/bike/camping ste/rubbish for the dump/dog etc are you supposed to be able to tell. I realise at Jag volumes having both XE and XF estates was always going to be a stretch, but still dissapointed if this turns out to be true.
Regards,
MyCC.
Regards,
MyCC.
The market predominantly wants an SUV of some description over an estate. The market gets what it wants in the end...
If you compare it to 5 series of similar vintage, there are 155 Tourings and 389 saloons, so a similar breakdown.
Seems about on the money to me.
Roomy?! I've sat in the XE & there isn't that much space, so recon this looks great but is just too small to be useful.
Anyone know what sort if power these Igenium engines are going to run up to???? Are they modular & turn the 4pot into a 6?
Must be getting old, starting to reminisce & lust after the older Jags....
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