The man spearheading the development of Jaguar’s XE saloon has predicted it will be the most important car the company has ever made.
XE vehicle programme director, Nick Miller, shared widely held views it would be a for the Midland manufacturer as it sought to challenge seriously the might of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the medium premium segment.
“Arguably it is one of the most important cars in the company’s history,” said Mr Miller, speaking to the Post at the star-studded unveiling of the new compact executive saloon in London.”
He also agreed that in order to succeed it may need to be better than rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class which it is seeking to challenge.
“Better looks, better drive and better value has been the mantra when developing the XE,” Mr Miller added.
“We have set out to develop the best driver’s car in the segment.
“The medium premium segment is expected to grow to 1.6 million by 2015, which represents a huge opportunity for us.
“It is the first car to come off our new aluminium architecture, which is modular and flexible and will allow us to build a higher volume of cars.
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“The new architecture is a custodian of Jaguar DNA and it is guaranteed to be a true Jaguar.”
Mr Miller said the XE was also the most “efficient and sustainable” Jaguar yet produced, as well as being the most affordable, with a £27,000 price tag for the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol model.
The XE is the fifth Jaguar model to use aluminium extensively in its construction, a process which started with the previous-generation XJ in 2003.
Jaguar says its pioneering use of a lightweight aluminium alloy will enhance dynamics and boost efficiency.
The XE, which is likely to go on sale in May next year, will be the first Jaguar made at the car-maker’s Solihull plant, where four of Land Rover’s models are produced.
A purpose-built new 60,000 sq m manufacturing facility has been created, which will turn out a car every 78 seconds.
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Some of the XE’s engines, four-cylinder Ingenium powerplants, will come from Jaguar Land Rover’s new engine plant near Wolverhampton.
The firm revealed a new version of the Ingenium engine will be produced every 5-6 months for the next two years, though it said it will continue to source some engines from Ford and Peugeot.
The four-cylinder diesel engine will emit just 99g/km of CO2, meaning it will be exempt from 海角视频 road tax. It will also deliver potential fuel economy of 75mpg, making it Jaguar’s cleanest and greenest vehicle to date.
It also makes extensive use of recycled material, both in its aluminium monocoque, which weighs just 251kg, and in the plastics used.
In all 70 per cent of the XE’s panel pressings are made from high-strength aluminium alloy, though the doors and boot are made of steel, in order to achieve an even weight balance.
Jaguar revealed the diesel car would also be available in manual form, making the XE the first manual Jaguar for nine years.
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will also be made at the Midland factory.
The model unveiled at the London event was a supercharged XE S, powered by a V6, 3.0-litre petrol engine which delivers 335bhp, with a 0-60mph acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
The XE also has the accolade of being the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar yet.
Other features include an all-new ‘InControl’ infotainment system, which will allow people to access smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen.
The car also functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and will allow users of smartphones to connect to the car and control a range of functions. Each car uses more than 40kg of recycled plastics.
Other features include a laser head-up display, ten colour ambient lighting and an optional Meridian sound system.
Jaguar says it will release details of further models in the range at October’s Paris Motor Show.
Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design, said development of the XE had been a labour of love.
“Jaguars have always been modern and edgy and have defined their times,” he said.
“We want to create cars like this, the XE, that will continue that excitement.
“This is a breakthrough moment for us, which take Jaguar to a whole new group of customers around the world - customers who love driving, love performance and also love value.
“Because it is a Jaguar it has a soul, has a personality and will excite the senses.
“I am someone, along with many others at Jaguar Land Rover, who has put their heart and soul into creating what we believe will be the next great Jaguar.”