Jaguar green lights XE and all-new X-Type

Jaguar has just bolstered its local line-up with the radical new XJ flagship, but the new-model onslaught is far from over.

Among the debutants in the pipeline -- as confirmed by Tata Motors chief executive Carl-Peter Forster in an interview with German trade mag Automobilwoche -- are the XE coupe/roadster and a successor to the unloved X-Type compact sedan.

Foster was quoted by the publication as saying: "We need a successor to the X-Type... and finally the small sports car that has been discussed for so long. We need both cars in several variations."

According to Euro sources, the XE (previewed a decade ago by the F-Type Concept pictured) would be a light, compact coupe spun off the next-generation XF's platform, and its role would be to challenge Porsche's Boxster/Cayman, and potentially steal a few sales from the 911.

It's reported that the XE -- touted as a spiritual successor to the original E-Type -- will be powered by a range of six-cylinder engines, with displacement upped from 3.0 litres (for Jaguar's current V6) to 3.5 litres.

Automobile magazine has suggested the XE will be offered in coupe, roadster and 2+2 hardtop guises, and a hardcore R model is also believed to be in the works.

Meanwhile, conceiving an all-new X-Type compact sedan might seem a curious decision, given that the original Ford Mondeo-derived model was a distinct flop.

However, this time around it appears Jaguar intends to get it right by building the car around a new aluminum architecture designed for the next-gen XF.

Overseas sources are speculating the new X-Type will be offered in sedan, coupe, and convertible forms -- mirroring BMW's 3 Series line-up, which will be among its chief competitors.
 
In addition to X-Type replacement and the new, smaller coupe -- rumored to launch in 2012 -- Forster says that work is underway on a long-wheelbase XF for the Chinese market, as well as a wagon version aimed primarily at Euro buyers.

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