Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Jaguar is preparing a luxury SUV to sit above the already-confirmed F-Pace crossover, nudging it perilously close to Range Rover territory. The bombshell is revealed in the latest June 2015 issue of CAR magazine

We've uncovered plans for the Jaguar J-Pace and our artist's impression above, by Andrei Avarvarii, reveals the direction design director Ian Callum and his team are pursuing for the biggest Jag surprise in years.

Jaguar J-Pace: the lowdown

What would a Range Rover look like if were designed by Ian Callum and not Gerry McGovern? Chances are we are going to find out in the not too distant future. After all, Jaguar has long started working on the next-generation XJ which is scheduled for launch in 2018.

The product planners thought long and hard about how best to expand the range: XJ coupe, convertible, shooting brake, just about every option was evaluated. But the numbers never added up, which is why a sporty and luxurious SUV is now on top of Jaguar's secret wishlist.


Based on the Range Rover's aluminium platform

For synergy's sake, the Jaguar J-Pace is designed to be based on the facelifted Range Rover. Sharing the RR's all-aluminum D7 architecture (above), Jaguar's new crossover would get its own bespoke exterior and interior treatment, as suggested by our artist's impression. The C-X17 concept car already previews the look for the smaller F-Pace crossover, and now Callum's team are beavering away on big brother.

Aimed at rich country bumpkins and wealthy city slickers alike, the car's proportions are said to be more RR Sport than Sir Range. But JLR is keen to make sure there is enough clear water between the two brands; expect the Jaguar luxury crossover to have a more sporting edge than the go-anywhere Land Rovers.

Two wheelbases - and a plug-in hybrid

Like the XJ saloon and full-fat Range Rover, the go-anywhere Jag J-Pace would be offered in two wheelbase configurations. In addition to the must-have V6s and V8s, the portfolio also makes provision for a modular plug-in hybrid as well as for high-performance RS and SVR editions.

Aimed at Audi Q8, BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS-class, the J-Pace is expected to debut in 2019.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-sho...e-2019-j-pace/

mmarshall

Interesting thread, but Jaguar can (barely) sell sedans and coupes here in America. I guess only time will tell if they can market a car-based SUV.

chromedome

It's mainly for the Chinese, Russian and Middle East markets where bigger is better and biggest is best...

TangoRed

A car-based SUV is a FAR easier sell than you're making it sound; crossovers are hot even for latecomers. And their current sales aren't all that surprising- the only "affordable" Jag is the aging XF that lags behind its competitors in every way outside of style.

mmarshall

Often that's true, but not always. The Pontiac Aztek and Acura ZDX, for example, were two noted flops.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

There is certainly a market for Luxury 3-Rows. Even Jeep is planning the Grand Wagoneer

svelt

They looked like they were begging to be flops...you'd have to try that hard to not sell an SUV/CUV nowadays.

TangoRed

I think not making your vehicle hideous is a given if success your goal.

mmarshall

Some ugly SUVs DO sell............note the Nissan Juke.

jwong77

Its hard to believe with the marketing budget automakers put into development, that something as few selling points as the ZDX ever got the green light.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Sex sells. Make it sexy and they [buyers] will come. Porsche said they'd never do an SUV and now the Cayenne is their volume maker, and now the Macan is out too. Rolls, Bentley and Maserati are all gearing up. Jaguar just wants a slice of the pie, smart.