C-X17 CONCEPT – A PREVIEW OF JAGUAR’S FUTURE AT-A-GLANCE
- A sports crossover concept to showcase next-generation lightweight technologies in the form of an all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture
- It is lightweight, extremely stiff and incorporates innovative technologies that emphasise Jaguar’s commitment to sustainability
- This advanced lightweight architecture will form the basis for a new range of future Jaguars; the first product will be a mid-size premium C/D segment sedan on sale in 2015. This will be the first aluminium monocoque product in the segment and is set to be the most advanced, efficient and refined sports sedan in its class
- This technology, along with a new family of engines, will enable Jaguar to offer vehicles with class-leading performance, including top speeds of over 300km/h and emissions lower than 100g of CO2 per km
- It blends the sleek design and sporting performance that are hallmarks of Jaguar, with the crossover benefits of an assured driving position and high levels of flexibility
- The C-X17 also showcases advanced interior technologies including Interactive Surface Console – a multi-screen infotainment network that links passengers with each other and the outside world through social media channels
Jaguar’s first ever sports crossover concept vehicle – the C-X17 – made its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013.
The C-X17 has been created as a design study to introduce Jaguar’s all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture, codenamed iQ[Al], on which an exciting range of future Jaguars will be built. This new philosophy underpins the entire innovative future of the Jaguar brand. A modular and scalable vehicle architecture, it combines high-strength, low weight, and exceptional rigidity. It also enables flexible high-volume production while allowing creative design freedom and competitive interior packaging, without compromising the unique character, dynamics, performance and luxury for which Jaguar is famous. This will enable Jaguar to grow its product portfolio, targeting high-growth areas of the premium market.
As a sports crossover, the Jaguar C-X17 stretches the design possibilities of the segment by combining the character and driving experience of a sports car with increased presence, style and flexibility. The sports crossover concept represents the potential expansion of Jaguar’s portfolio of body styles, with the associated enhancement of the brand’s relevance and appeal to a wider global audience.
When unveiled, it was described by Jaguar senior management as a vehicle that:“… leading dynamics, and the beauty and purity of form that Jaguar is renowned for, and we have the formula for a monumental leap forward”
Jaguar’s first product from the new iQ[Al] architecture will be a new premium C/D segment sedan. Its global rollout will begin in 2015, and it will be the first aluminium monocoque product in the segment.
Power will be provided by engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies without sacrificing drivability. These will include the high-output petrol and diesel engines to be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s new engine manufacturing facility in the UK, as well as the powerful V6 petrol engine in the F-TYPE, which will provide best-in-class specific power output. These attributes will enable Jaguar to offer a wider variety of vehicles, with exhilarating performance coupled to minimal emissions and low fuel consumption.
The C-X17 concept illustrates the diversity of vehicles that could be produced using the architecture and has been displayed both as a four-seater sports crossover and more recently as a five-seater. It blends sleek lines, sporting design and luxurious sophistication with enhanced flexibility and an assured driving position. In its exciting proportions, purity of form and its beautiful lines – overseen by Director of Design Ian Callum – the C-X17 is every inch a Jaguar.
The C-X17 could offer refined on-road dynamics and sedan car-like handling, thanks to its low height, optimised centre of gravity, and use of cutting-edge dynamic technologies such as Torque Vectoring by Braking, in which the car intelligently uses its brake system to balance the distribution of engine torque to the wheels during cornering, reducing understeer and maximising grip.
Says Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar:
At 4,718mm long and 1,649mm tall, its dimensions are clearly that of a crossover, yet in its design it shares strong family traits with Jaguar’s current range. For instance, the grille is an evolution of the distinctive nose of the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, while the sculptured haunch lines hint strongly of the award-winning design of the Jaguar F-TYPE sports car. A low-slung stance combine with 23-inch alloy wheels to give the C-X17 a sporting, aggressive presence, while the LED headlamps, J-shaped running lights and frosted-glass foglights set into the large front intakes add to the C-X17’s purposeful intent.
The interior of the C-X17 boasts a sculpted, lightweight appearance. The car’s unique roof features contoured vanes that provide a distinctive ‘elliptical’ panoramic view to the C-X17’s passengers, while retaining the roof’s sleek appearance from the exterior. Accessories that support an active lifestyle, such as a torch and a camera, are positioned in storage compartments in the boot.
Cabin architecture marries premium, authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship with modern finishing techniques.
The concept car first unveiled at the Frankfurt Show – painted a lustrous Caesium Blue – features a combination of Jet saddle Connolly leather and Orchid Connolly leather on the instrument panel, seats, armrests, doors, floor and in the boot, with stitching on the saddle leather creating a tactile feel. A subtle layered effect is created through the use of die-cut Houndstooth-pattern leather patches on the main leather panels. Ruthenium, milled aluminium and black brushed anodised metal finishes impart a darker tonal effect to the C-X17’s interior. The door finish is gloss black.
The car has subsequently been displayed in Liquid Gold (at Auto Guangzhou, China), Liquid Aluminium (Dubai and Los Angeles) and most recently in Italian Racing Red (Brussels Motor Show).
In the four-seater version, a centre tunnel running the length of the car, from the instrument panel through to the rear passenger seats, incorporates the Interactive Surface Console – an interactive multi-passenger infotainment hub with a series of touchscreens under a continuous panel of transparent acrylic glass, which in conjunction with the secure in-car wi-fi network, enables the vehicle’s passengers to connect and share experiences with each other and the outside world via social media. The C-X17’s premium in-car digital audio system has been specially designed for the vehicle by British specialist audio firm Meridian, and the car’s centre console is configured for a Head Up Display projector.
