DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Jaguar to use modified Aston Martin Rapide design for next XJ?

Jaguar has been really quiet these days and we think we may have found out what they have been up to during this quiet period.

Seems like they were impressed last year with the Aston Martin Rapide at the booth next to theirs and decided to do something about it.

This one should be one of the real lookers at the Detroit Auto Show this January...any guesses to which concept car this is?

Maybe they're planning reactive strike with their own 'CLS' Killer?

mstangpny07 - 12/14/2006 8:51:55 PM

0 Boost

So it won't be for the S-Type, I mean "XF"?? Seems more logical then the XJ.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/14/2006 10:44:02 PM

+2 Boost

Wow! This should be exciting!

If they brought the XJ to a more modern, curvy level, it would far and away be the sexiest car in the large sedan segment.

Even as an XF8, it would be a looker- and I'm glad they wouldn't keep calling it the S-Type. Brings to mind a pretty horrible car.

BWag - 12/14/2006 11:32:58 PM

-2 Boost

The AM Rapide is one of, if not the, most beautiful four-door car in the world. For Jaguar to play of its design would be demeaning. That is, especially because of Aston Martin's recent resurgance in the market and Jaguar's apparent disappearance in the luxury-car segment.
Jaguar does need to update most of their range, but not at the expense of the exclusivity of Aston Martin.

-BWag

S4cabriofoxone - 12/15/2006 12:21:00 AM

+2 Boost

Well, they seem to have already diminished AM's exclusivity with the new XKR- why buy an AMV8 Vantage for $25,000 more when you can have a car that's almost as pretty, more powerful and equally luxurious for a little over $85,000?

So, I ask, why stop now? Jaguar is in need of stronger, more contemporary products.

mobiustech - 12/15/2006 12:03:47 AM

+1 Boost

Using the platform of a superior vehicle will only add to the mistique of Jaguar resurgence. Jaguar is in dire need to return not as a Lexus or BMW fighter, but as a Jaguar. The name alone has a panache many can't even come close to. It is just up to Jag pull the plug out of its ass.

MunichRob - 12/15/2006 12:21:22 AM

-1 Boost

Jaguar should avoid designing their model line-up to mimick that of Aston Martin's...People will start to look at Jag's as the 'cheap mans' Aston.

answer - 12/15/2006 12:49:58 AM

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Sounds good.

I love the current XJ. There is just something really special about those lamb's wool floor mats.

One thing: Please lose the J-gate shifter on this one Jaguar!

Lexus - 12/15/2006 12:55:15 AM

-1 Boost

I would rather paid a little more for the Aston Martin than to get a cheaper Jaguar. Sure Jaguar has heritage and all that good stuff, so does Aston Martin.

Jaguar seem to be like for the people in early 40s or 50s, but the Aston Martin is more the younger people like me.

Lexus

SilverAero - 12/15/2006 4:25:43 AM

0 Boost

Please make me care about your cars jaguar.

urbansouljah - 12/15/2006 7:36:42 AM

+1 Boost

It will not look like the Rapide. Maybe from the side a little but it won't be an XK up front or anything. The car will use an all new steel platform. The XK is bringing younger to the brand and so will the XF. By the way, Aston Martin designs are Ian Callum designs. That's why the XK and DB9 (finishing touches done by Henrick Fisker) look so simular. The Vantage was done by Henrick Fisker and while a great design, doesn't look as good as the XKR or DB9 in person.

urbansouljah - 12/15/2006 12:38:58 PM

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I believe work started on the S-type/XF before the Rapide. The Rapide was done quickly by just stretching the DB9.

speedracer54 - 12/17/2006 4:50:44 PM

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make a xk 4door sedan just like they did with the Aston Rapide or whatever. They can make it cost like $50,000 to make it compete with the A6, 5, E, and what not but also the CLS (which it would be cheaper then). It could be a 4 door coupe. Im sure it would look sick.