Jaguar Teases 2016 F-Pace Crossover
After three concept crossovers, Jaguar is ready to go all in for 2016 with the F-Pace.
Just Auto reports production of the premium crossover will begin in late 2015 at Jaguar Land Rover’s plant in Solihull, England, with a Land Rover-based variant — codenamed L560 — to follow later. Both models will be underpinned by JLR’s PLA aluminum platform, currently in use by the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
The F-Pace follows three concept crossovers, all named C-X17. The first concept bowed at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the second version arrived at both Guangzhou and Dubai auto shows later that year, and the final C-X17 debuted at last year’s Brussels Auto Show.
Per Director of Jaguar Design Ian Callum, the overwhelming response to all three concepts prompted the decision to go forward with building the F-Pace:
We just had to make it a reality. The Jaguar F-PACE, inspired by the F-TYPE, represents a perfectly judged balance of style, performance and practicality. It offers a unique combination of Jaguar sports car inspired exterior design, fused beautifully with a thoroughly practical and spacious luxury interior. The F-PACE is our family sports car.
The crossover is set to go on sale in Europe in 2016, where it will do battle against the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and X4, Volvo XC60, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. JLR expects to produce 50,000 F-Paces annually.
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This has me F-D up. I thought this was a crossover version of the new XE. Should't it be called E-Pace instead?
To my ears this is a forced, awkward latching on to "grace, space, pace". "F Space" makes more sense if you think that it will have more cargo capacity than a sedan or coupe and it will let you see some wide open spaces because it's a soft-roader. Or, perhaps there's a good reason why I don't make six figures writing ad copy.
The concept, much like every "high end" European CUV, looks like a modern AMC Eagle with the "face" of a sports car. Its just "meh" for me, I'm sure auto journalists will praise its terrific "E-Type inspired" handling, "Rolls Royce ride quality", then just forget about it a week later. Enthusiasts will hate it, but honestly I don't think it even warrants hate, its too sterile. The new Mazda CX-5 will be more affordable and manages to look sporty without comprising practicality. I'd really love to know whats up with Europes fascination with the AMC Eagle, not the CUV idea itself so much as the Eagles roofline, yea its a bit rounder here but it still looks quite dated. Maybe they can add a fin antennae as a subtle "tribute" to the Jaguar D-Type?
"It offers a unique combination of Jaguar sports car inspired exterior design, fused beautifully with a thoroughly practical and spacious luxury interior." He just described any Jaguar. And isn't that what the XJ is supposed to be? Spacious and luxury and sports? I really think after the old XJ went away (2011?) Jag has thoroughly lost the way forward. XF is ancient, the F-type is disappointing (though sexy), and the XJ looks like a submarine now.