Jaguar’s Frankfurt Motor Show star – the C-X17 SUV – showcases some major technology advances for the British brand which will be rolled-out in future models.
Of particular interest is the lightweight and stiff advanced aluminium monocoque chassis architecture (code-named iQ(AL)) which will underpin a new mid-size C/D segment Jaguar sedan to debut in 2015. Jaguar says its newcomer will be the first in segment to feature an aluminium monocoque.
Jaguar says the new aluminium technology is modular and scalable enabling flexible high-volume manufacturing but also providing the variety of applications needed by designers for various interior packaging. The aluminium used comes from 100 per-cent recycled raw material.
The C-X17 (the show-car a four-seater) was created to highlight the flexibility of the new architecture. It’s more ‘crossover’ than SUV with a low roofline and centre of gravity but sure looks like you’d expect a Jaguar to look like.
At 4718mm in length and standing 1649mm tall, the Jaguar C-X17 sits on stunning 23-inch alloy wheels and the front-end comes from the XJ sedan. Ground clearance is 213mm which means crossing the Sahara may not be in the C-X17’s repertoire.
Interestingly the four-seat show car features two individual fold-out seats in the cargo area which Jaguar calls ‘leisure seats’.
A centre tunnel runs from the instrument panel to the rear seats and houses a series of touch-screens which form an interactive multi-passenger infotainment hub.
There’s also a new family of highly-efficient petrol and diesel engines on the way.
