Upcoming Jaguar XE to be based on a cut-down XK platform

Jaguar XENew details of the Jaguar XE sports car, which is set to open in 2011 or 2012, have come out. The possible platform derivation of the latest Jaguar XE is a trimmed down XK. It will come with a potent 450bhp V6 powerplant. In contrast to the XK, the XE will be smaller.

Since the Jaguar XK’s molded and cast aluminum frame is much easier to shorten compared with the riveted and bonded chassis of the XJ, it is probable that the Jaguar XE will employ the platform of the XK. All the same, it will be a big challenge to strip off the XK’s 4.79 meter length and 1.89 meter width to make something with a length of 4.08 meters and a width of 1.78 meters against the rival Mercedes-Benz SLK. There are also speculations that Jaguar might produce other versions from a longer wheelbase variant of this narrowed platform, possibly offering range to develop four-seater niche entries to stand up against the competition in the compact premium class.
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M53R - 2/20/2009 4:45:06 PM

+2 Boost

The rendering looks awesome, but the headlights look like the Honda S2000..

DaHarder - 2/20/2009 6:37:16 PM

+4 Boost

"Upcoming Jaguar XE to be based on a cut-down XK platform"... DUH!
What did you think - that they were going to develop a unique platform for it, especially in these economically tumultuous times? And, yes... This rendering is quite a looker.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 2/20/2009 10:39:50 PM

+3 Boost

Well, and who is going to complain that it shares its platform with its more expensive/svelte brother ?

ubercool - 2/21/2009 5:27:03 AM

+1 Boost

Sounds right on the money, if it looks anything like this rendering or any Jag's recent beauties, it will be a winner for sure.

2ndbimmer - 2/23/2009 8:48:18 PM

+1 Boost

I like the direction jaguar is going!