Spy Shots: 2006 Jaguar X150

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Spy Shots: 2006 Jaguar X150
By: Hans Lehmann


These are the first spy pictures of the new Jaguar aluminium-bodied sports coupe that will replace the current XK Series in 2006. The new coupe and convertible models are expected to debut in autumn 2005, or early in 2006 as 2006 models.

Codenamed X150, the completely redesigned 2+2-seaters are based on the drivetrain, platform, and rivet-bonded aluminum body design of the latest XJ Series sedans. As a result, the first prototype shown here hides its new XK internals under a cut-and-shut Jaguar XJ body.

The new chassis will in fact have a wheelbase that's ten inches shorter than the XJ. The wide track and lack of rear doors are the best clues to the new XK's identity. While it's difficult to draw any firm conclusions on the exterior styling of the new XK, the proportions of this first prototype are representative. The computer-generated illustration accompanying the spy shots is an interpretation of how the X150 may develop, based on concepts shown by Jaguar, such as the R-D6 concept and the F-Type. There is no confirmation that the "fake" rear doors on the prototype indicate a set of rear-hinged doors for the new sports car.

Earlier this year, Jaguar confirmed the X150 project and announced that it will be built along with the XJ in its Browns Lane factory in Coventry, U.K. The normally aspirated (XK) and supercharged (XKR) V-8 engines and a six-speed ZF automatic transmission will be adapted from the XJ saloon cars, but specially tuned for duty in the lighter and sportier coupe/convertible XK. No word yet as to the adoption of Aston Martin's 6.0-liter V-12 engine.

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Daku jadi bosen dengan design-design Jaguar belakangan ini, kelihatannya dari S-type sampai ke X150 baru pengganti XK series dan bahkan sampai ke Z-type (SUV-nya) pun designnya begitu saja, alias mirip abis tampang depannya, sama sekali jadi tidak ada unique identity tersendiri antara tipe yg satu dgn yg lain.