The ink might not be completely dry yet, but Tata's takeover of Jaguar
and  | | After many years of wanting to produce the F-Type, Jaguar's hopes will now come true. (Photo: Jaguar) |
Land Rover has resulted in some preemptive planning on expanding
the product lineup of both brands.
With
the removal of the compact X-Type, Jaguar's lineup will be reduced to
three cars for model-year 2009. In its place, the British built brand will receive an all-new model. And it's a car that many, including those within Jaguar, have
been hoping would get green lighted for quite some time, an entry level sports car. The
so-called “F-Type” has finally been given the go-ahead, and would undercut the
XK grand tourer in size and price. Expect it to start in the $55 - 60k
range, which would undercut the flagship sports car by a fairly large
margin. The car will be based on a current Jaguar product, and is
likely to use the XF's steel platform, though the aluminum intensive XK
or XJ may get the nod. Expect to see it by 2012.
 | | LRX will be produced, and what's more is that it will closely resemble the concept. (Photo: Land Rover) |
Land
Rover will also get a brand new Range Rover, expected to arrive in
2012, as well as a new entry level model that will slot in below the
baby LR2. The concept LRX has not only been given the green light for
production, but Tata will also invest in the plant that it is scheduled
to be assembled in. The Halewood plant, which used to produce the
X-Type will grow thanks to investment from Tata, and will be
capable of producing up to 210,000 units by 2012, although the LRX is
expected to make it to market before 2011. Much work will be done to
make the production model as close as possible to the concept.
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