Dear 001,
I'm from New zealand and thought your readers might be interested in this little piece of news...
Jaguar warned at the Frankfurt motor show of a decade of hot new products.
Auto Express now reports plans are in place to introduce a new smaller XK-like coupe, based on a cut down aluminium XK chassis.
The small XK will also be rear-wheel drive and is likely to run with a V6 engine driving through a six-speed manual transmission.
Direct rivals include BMW's new Z4 Coupe and the Porsche Cayman, the latter launching internationally right now. Because of the XK's chassis construction, shortening the platform is a minor issue, akin to the V8 Vantage riding on a shortened DB9 platform.
The new coupe arises from the F-Type concept programme, reinforcing statements from Jaguar bosses that the brand's future is dependent on bringing fresh new models to the market. That process is set to continue with the new S-Type.
Expect plenty of F-Type cues in the XK cut down coupe. The interior is said to be much more driver-focused than the more luxurious GT-oriented XK.