Jaguar Sketches C-X16 Production Concept, Could Preview Next XK

Jaguar today released the first official image of an all-new two-door sports coupe that it calls the C-X16 production concept. A team headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum is probably still putting the final touches on the car, as it’s going to be revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Jaguar left the door wide open for speculation, so we are going to walk straight through it. The only real clue as to what Jaguar is cooking lies in the name. The ‘C-X’ part is just their way of naming a concept. The C-XF from 2007 for instance was a supermodel that previewed the luxurious XF. Last year, the carmaker showed us the amazing C-X75, a model that might also see the production light at the end of the tunnel, according to a recent report. The ‘75’ part was there because Jaguar was celebrating 75 years of “some of the most iconic road and racing car designs ever seen.” So if this latest concept is called the C-X16, what happened about 16 years ago that’s worth celebrating. Well, as you might remember from the Intro part of our XKR Test Drive, in 1996 the Brits brought back the XK nameplate with a coup’ and convertible. So the concept is likely to preview a new XK that’s coming next year! "Great Jaguars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, to excite and invigorate," commented Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum. "Jaguar has set in place bold, ambitious plans for the future. This production concept demonstrates the depth of design and engineering ability we have within Jaguar to make these plans come to life – I look forward to sharing this latest, exciting step at the Frankfurt Motor Show," added Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Directorm. Jaguar is also likely to bring the new XE Roadster to Frankfurt this year, so we’re eager to see what the future brings for the firm. autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.