A famous Big Cat is about to roar into view again. This silver dream machine is the all-new C-Type – and it’s set to turn the spotlight on Jaguar.
Sitting below the XK, the C-Type line-up will cost between GBP45 000 – GBP50 000, targeting top-end performance cars such as Audi’s TT RS, the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG and Porsche’s Cayman with a blend of pace, luxury and practicality.
Following the radical but well received XF and XJ, the newcomer is another exciting departure for the brand. It is likely to be available as a fixed-head coupé or, as shown by the illustrations, a roadster.
As you can see from the images, the C-Type will be a forward-looking design with an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement.
With lots of chrome mesh, sporty air intakes and a bold bonnet bulge, it has plenty of road presence. That continues in the sculpted edges along the flanks, vast chrome alloys and pert but muscular tail complete with twin exhaust pipes. An electrically operated folding canvas roof, to be stowed behind the occupants’ heads, completes the look.
The C-Type will be also be practical. Similar in size to Audi’s A5, it will have a useful boot and while the images show only two seats, the finished article is likely to have four.
As with the XK, the new C-Type’s chassis will be an aluminium monocoque with extruded body panels, an arrangement that is lightweight but particularly strong and stiff, benefitting handling response and also refinement.
Power will come from Jaguar’s latest 5,0-litre V8, producing 283 kW. There’s also the possibility of a twin-turbo diesel and even an R version powered by the company’s supercharged 373 kW V8.
All models will get Jaguar’s super-slick six-speed automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters. Expect the C-Type to arrive in concept form in 2011, with the production version following a year later.
