news

Jaguar F-Type: Next generation may be mid-engined, inspired by C-X75

Jaguar's outgoing head of design has laid out his vision for the next-generation Jaguar F-Type.


Speaking to Autocar, Ian Callum revealed he laid down his preferred blueprint for new F-Type with his successor, Julian Thomson, before he left the company.

This would see the next F-Type switch to a mid-engined layout or an electric drivetrain, and have styling inspired by the C-X75 show car.

An alternative scenario would see the F-Type stick with a front-mid engine setup but adopt hybrid technology.

Should Jaguar decide to make the new F-Type electric or truly mid-engined, the company may need to develop a new platform just for the sports car or heavily modify the I-Pace's all-electric architecture, as the front- and rear-wheel drive platforms currently employed by the company would seem to be unsuitable.

Also seemingly out of the question is Jaguar Land Rover's upcoming flexible rear- and all-wheel drive architecture, which will debut under the new XJ, and supports internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains and pure-electric setups.

Another limiting factor may be the automaker's financial situation. The company has been forced to fire thousands of workers and cut costs as poor sales in China and a dramatic slowdown in diesel demand in Europe have seen the automaker go deep into the red.

The current F-Type will soon be refreshed with a major facelift, which should give the two-seat vehicle another three to four years at least.

Unveiled at 2010 Paris motor show, the Jaguar C-X75 stunned the motoring world, and featured a 582kW electric drivetrain with two range-extending gas turbines.

Development work began almost straight away, with the gas turbines ditched for a less avant-garde hybrid setup. Citing problems with the European economy, Jaguar pulled the pin on the model at the end of 2012.

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent