Bertone creates stunning Jag concept

This low-slung pillarless sedan is a possible pointer to the future design direction of Jaguar.

Dubbed the Bertone 99, it was conceived to celebrate the venerable Italian styling studio's impending 100th anniversary in 2012.

Although there's precious little information to go on for now, the compact (4.5m long) sedan has unashamedly retro design cues (unlike the mould-shattering XJ and XF) and its proportions hark back to the 1970s XJC coupe and Series III XJ sedan.

UK's Autocar magazine has speculated the Bertone concept could provide clues to a future small Jag that would conceivably fill the void left by the unloved X-Type, which was canned in 2009.

Going on these images, we'd suggest the eventual production version would have a much better chance of succeeding than the frumpy-looking, Ford Mondeo-derived X-Type.

Bertone design director Mike Robinson was quoted by Autocar as saying: "Jaguar is looking at a new design direction and a small car -- and we think this is the right style, with a very light glasshouse and the visual weight concentrated on to the wheels."

The clamshell-door arrangement is elegantly framed by slim-line A- and C-pillars, while the chop-top roofline sits atop bulging guards that hint at muscular performance.
 
The Bertone 99 has a minimal front overhang, while the derriere is devoid of the high-booted treatment that's now become the norm at Jaguar.

"Our B99 is definitely not a fastback. We think the fastback lifts the body volume too high above the rear wheels. Jags have always had the weight concentrated on the wheels," Robinson told Autocar.

Although the overall look is clearly influenced by yesteryear (even though Robinson denies it's retro), the concept manages to retain an air of modernity thanks largely to the futuristic LED headlight/taillight design and skilful detailing.

According to Autocar, former Rolls-Royce designer Adrian Griffiths helped create the B99 as part of the Bertone team under the guidance of Jaguar design chief Ian Callum and advanced design boss Julian Thomson.

The Bertone 99's interior also reportedly blends olde-worlde design elements with cutting-edge touches such as Jag's rotary gear selector.

In the words of Robinson: "Luxury is not hundreds of buttons in the cabin. It's nothingness, like an iPad."

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site