Jaguar XE 2013 review

The XE will feature an all-new aluminum platform, which will eventually underpin the XK, XF and XJ – as opposed to their current steel platforms. Although a mid-engine setup had been rumored, the XE will use
a more conventional front-engine, rear-drive configuration.

Forster has not commented about body styles, but Leftlane’s previous reports confirmed a roadster model, with a two-door coupe being a strong possibility in order to better compete with segment rivals from Porsche and Lotus, such as the Boxster, Caymen and Evora models. The all-new XE model will likely come in both Roadster and Coupe form, and was confirmed to by CEO Carl-Peter Forster to be set to arrive in 2012.

Power for the base model XE is expected to come from a supercharged V6, which could produce up to 350 horsepower – but given Tata’s use of Ford-sourced motors, we wouldn’t rule out the possibility of an EcoBoosted 3.5-liter V6 with power in the same realm.

A mid-level model will check in with at least a 385 horsepower version of Jaguar’s 5.0-liter V8, while a 510 horsepower supercharged V8 will be reserved for the range’s top billing. A hybrid model is also rumored to be in the works.

Previous reports suggested the XE could be in Jaguar showrooms as early as 2011, but it looks like the XE won’t hit the market until 2012 as a 2013 model year. Expect the Jaguar XE to make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, which coincidentally marks the 50th anniversary of the E-Type’s introduction. When the smaller Jag sports car does hits the market, expect it to carry a price tag somewhere between that of the Porsche Cayman and 911.

Source : leftlanenews