Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Jaguar is on a roll. After the successful launch of the XF mid-sized sedan, Jaguar and Land Rover will be introducing a series of new engines and models including a hybrid XJ. An upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide rival is in the pipeline for Jaguar and we're likely to see the new super-coupe in 2011 the earliest.
Longer-term JLR plans to develop green technologies have won government financial backing under the Low Carbon Vehicle programme. These are likely to result in production developments over the next five to 15 years and include the REHEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) for a plug-in hybrid, a new flywheel-based energy recovery system and a 120g/km luxury.
2008:
This year could see a new, smaller diesel engine finding its way underneaths the XF's bonnet. The current 2.7 litre V6 diesel engine pollutes 199g/km and new diesel unit is likely to be a 2.0 litre in-line 4-cylinder engine. This should offer much better fuel economy and even lower emissions.
2009:
A new 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine based upon the current 2.7 litre V6 and an all new direct injection 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine will find its way in some Land Rover's and Jaguar's. The 5.0 litre V8 could find its way under the upcoming XF-R hood.
Jaguar XE Coupe:
No information has been surfaced yet but a £40,000 price tag is expected. The new coupe maybe based upon the XK or XF platform. C-XE (registered on 18.04.2008) could hint at a cabriolet version of the upcoming XE coupe. This is likely to rival the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4.
2010:
A micro-hybrid using stop-start technology and based around the 3.0-litre V6 diesel will be the first to be launched in the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ in 2010. This system will improve economy and lower emissions by 10%.
Transmission wise, a new 8-speed ZF gearbox is key to the hybrid development. It features a completely new approach to the internal design of an auto, itself a fuel-saving feature, and a separate hydraulic reservoir that makes the 'box compatible with stop-start devices unlike today's six-speed ZF unit.
Jaguar XK:
The XK coupe and cabriolet first came into production in 2005/2006. Since then, a slight refresh has been offered for the 2008 model year. 2010 could see a complete facelift or a whole new model. The usual 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine will be standard and if demanded, a diesel engine could even find its way under the hood.
Jaguar XJ:
Testing is in full swing for the new large luxury sedan. The new XJ will take styling hints off the XF, interior and exterior wise including the new pop-up JaguarDrive gear selector. C-XJ (registered on 14.04.2008) could suggest a convertible version of the XJ sedan. The XJ will reach showrooms in 2010 with a possible sports version dubbed: XJ-R. This could rival the upcoming Lexus LS-F and the Mercedes S-Class AMG. The XJ-R could use a tuned version of the upcoming 5.0 litre V8.
Like the current XJ, the next generation will be available in both SWB and LWB version and is set to be lighter than the current model, thus saving fuel and giving better handling.
2011:
Land Rover Freelander, LRX and Discovery:
The Land Rover Freelander should receive a refresh or facelift in this year. In the same year, Land Rover's LRX coupe will reach showrooms. This uses a diesel engine mated with a hybrid system. The Discovery has received a refresh this year but in 2011, there should be a facelifted model arriving.
Jaguar XF:
As for Jaguar, the XF will receive a facelift to keep it looking fresh.
2012:
Jaguar is considering the system for a full-hybrid version of the next XJ and it could be on the market as soon as 2012. Land Rover is looking at a different hybrid solution using its rear-mounted 'Electric Rear Axle Drive' electric motor.