Does the new Jaguar XK have a Taurus nose?

"Everyone wants to know why the new XK has a 'Taurus nose,' " Ian lamented in an interview. "Done in by my own brother!"

Whatever the geneology of its nose, the new XK has arrived, like the eagerly anticipated scion of fading aristocrats, with the burden of great expectations. The car is expected to do nothing less than pull the revered English automaker out of its doldrums; give its parent, the Ford Motor Company, an overdue return on a very large investment; and put Jaguar back on the short list of great European luxury marques.

The new XK is elegant to behold, but it seems to lack the swagger and rakish charm of progenitors like the XK 120, XK SS, XKE and XJ 220.

Full article here

MercBasher - 6/4/2006 9:55:34 AM

+1 Boost

I've seen a couple of the new XK convertibles driving around South Florida. What a shame, this vehicle looks outdated already. Problem seems to be the lacklustre front end design - especially when compared to Mercedes, BMW or Cadillac.

I expect a redesign within two-three years.

wwww - 6/4/2006 9:27:02 PM

+1 Boost

Still ford like to me, especially the front lights. The front shape is quite nice, a more conservative Aston Martinesqe shape. but the headlights doesn't reflect its elegance nor sporty feel

IanJames - 6/8/2006 11:53:58 PM

+1 Boost

I am extremely design aware. And even if you accept the argument (which would be wrong) that this thing doesn't have similarities to a Taurus the problem lies in the fact that it has very clearly got a "clip on" look. Jag has always had a clean, flowing look to the front of their cars with the hood protruding toward or even OVER the front grill. This front 10 inches of this car breaks the flow. I guess it makes it easy for a redesign (good old GM/Ford style thinkin') So we can always hope... That said, they've done a nice job on the butt. In my humble and unsenitive to design opinion.

IanJames - 6/8/2006 11:57:11 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with the earlier remark on the '63 XKE - except for that hood issue. When you break the line, you don't get that beautiful, graceful, and slightly mean look the '63 had.

993Turbo - 6/15/2006 9:47:17 AM

+1 Boost

The Taurus nose is not NEARLY as butt fugly as the Mazda tail!