Photo: Jaguar
Whenever the all-new Jaguar XE is mentioned, it’s almost a sure bet that a mention of the Jaguar X-Type is close behind. Looking to erase all memories of that failed Ford-based baby Jag, the latest tease of the all-new Jaguar XE shows our most intimate – and most important – look yet at Jaguar’s upcoming BMW 3 Series fighter before its big debut on September 8.
Going even deeper than the X-rayed body shell we saw a few months back, the latest tease of the Jaguar XE reveals its suspension components. As we’ve come to expect from Jaguar, there is generous dose of aluminum on the chassis including the most of the front and rear suspension components. The rear-drive XE will feature an integral-link suspension setup at the rear wheels, while the more promising news is the front suspension, which Jaguar says uses a double wishbone setup based on the F-Type.
These suspension designs should help the XE compete with the 3 Series and Cadillac ATS, but the big question mark will likely be the XE’s new electric power steering system. Up until now, Jaguar has resisted the urge to swap the direct feeling of hydraulic steering for an electric unit, although Jaguar says that its sporty steering feel has been retained. Finally, one of the key components missing from this new teased cutaway is the engine, and Jaguar confirmed that its new Ingenium line of 2.0-liter gas and diesel four-cylinder engines will be used to motivate its newest family member.
Jaguar is definitely going all out to provide the XE with a sporty ride, but it isn’t skimping on the high-tech features either. One such feature is the All Surface Progress Control system, which is an advanced driver aid that can automatically power the car out of trouble by working “like a low-speed cruise control to improve forward progress under slippery conditions.” This sounds like some tech we’ve come to expect from the off-road world making it into passenger cars.
Even though the Jaguar XE will debut in September, we’ll have quite a wait before it goes into production. We’re almost sure to see it a numerous auto show stops around the world, but European customers have to wait until next year to experience the XE and North American buyers have to wait until 2016. There is still plenty of time until the XE makes its big debut, and Jaguar seems content with taking full advantage of that lead time as this tease was labeled as just part one of four.
These suspension designs should help the XE compete with the 3 Series and Cadillac ATS, but the big question mark will likely be the XE’s new electric power steering system. Up until now, Jaguar has resisted the urge to swap the direct feeling of hydraulic steering for an electric unit, although Jaguar says that its sporty steering feel has been retained. Finally, one of the key components missing from this new teased cutaway is the engine, and Jaguar confirmed that its new Ingenium line of 2.0-liter gas and diesel four-cylinder engines will be used to motivate its newest family member.
Jaguar is definitely going all out to provide the XE with a sporty ride, but it isn’t skimping on the high-tech features either. One such feature is the All Surface Progress Control system, which is an advanced driver aid that can automatically power the car out of trouble by working “like a low-speed cruise control to improve forward progress under slippery conditions.” This sounds like some tech we’ve come to expect from the off-road world making it into passenger cars.
Even though the Jaguar XE will debut in September, we’ll have quite a wait before it goes into production. We’re almost sure to see it a numerous auto show stops around the world, but European customers have to wait until next year to experience the XE and North American buyers have to wait until 2016. There is still plenty of time until the XE makes its big debut, and Jaguar seems content with taking full advantage of that lead time as this tease was labeled as just part one of four.
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