Jaguar C-X17
Jaguar Land Rover is unveiling its C-X17 Jaguar concept vehicle at the Frankfurt International Motor Show Sept. 10, which introduces a modular aluminum architecture that the brand intends to use for future designs.
The automaker is offering scant information regarding the C-X17 vehicle to intrigue fans with the mystery surrounding the event. Since other luxury automakers have released in-depth looks at the models they intend to showcase at the motor show, Jaguar’s ploy to guard its secrets until the actual release will likely generate excitement among auto enthusiasts.
“They don’t know if it’s a production vehicle,” said Lauren Fix, automotive expert and author of “Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car,” Lancaster, NY. “[Jaguar has] never entered the SUV crossover area and they might, but they aren’t one hundred percent sure one way or the other.”
“The concept study vehicle is all about showing new technology, the brand’s investment in new sub-structures, what they can produce, how they can change brand image,” she said
Ms. Fix is not affiliated with Jaguar Land Rover, but agreed to comment as an industry expert.
Jaguar Land Rover did not respond by press deadline.
Behind the shadow
The vehicle’s primary purpose will be to illustrate the range of models that will benefit from the new modular aluminum architecture. The C-X17 is the sports crossover concept vehicle, a blending of an SUV with a Jaguar sports car DNA.
The teaser image of the concept vehicle conveys the contours of the vehicle in an otherwise black frame. Leaving so much of the vehicle to the imagination of fans may emphasize the architecture’s versatility.
Jaguar will also display its newly introduced production models at the motor show. These will include the recently launched R performance models, the XJR and XFR-S, as well as the F-Type.
Prior to the motor show, Jaguar is streaming a live pre-show reveal to invited guests on its Facebook page Sept. 9.
Also, Jaguar has also been goading fans to get ready for the release on its social media pages.
Jaguar’s Twitter feed
Fans can sign up for to receive new information on the C-X17 through the brand’s Web site.
Pedals and portals
Other automakers intend to shed light on their design goals at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
For instance, Italian automaker Ferrari is elevating the brand’s standards of innovation with the debut of its Ferrari Speciale 458 model Sept. 10 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
The 458 model earned the moniker Speciale because of the amount of research and innovation put into its design including the automaker’s most powerful v8 engine. The brand will likely impress auto enthusiasts who have an affinity for power at a crowded motor show (see story).
Also, German automaker BMW is augmenting the i series mission of sustainability with the debut of the BMW i8 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show Sept. 10 that targets racing fans and environmental enthusiasts.
The show allows consumers to examine and test-drive the brand’s latest model, placing an emphasis on the i series. Following the release of the highly anticipated i3 model, the i8 may transform consumer’s conceptions of what a sustainable vehicle can achieve (see story).
Although Jaguar claims to have essential uses for the concept study in the future, it is yet to be known whether the concept’s architecture will be integrated into new vehicles.
“Jaguar will put the design study out for consumers, journalists, new market studies and then make the determination,” Ms. Fix said.
Final Take
Joe McCarthy, editorial assistant on Luxury Daily, New York