Jaguar F-TYPE - Your chance to comment on the Design!

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May 17th 2002 F-Type Development Halted!

Details are sparse but Jaguar announce they have deferred the planned production of the F-Type due to 'changes to the sequence of future new product introductions'. You are welcome to leave comments on this announcement via this page! It is now unlikely that we'll ever see the F-Type! Maybe we will be fobbed off with a 'more commercially viable' convertible X-Type instead? What do you think?

From a Jag-lovers user comment

"I'm stunned! I cannot see how anyone considers the rehashed 2001 design drawings as an improvement on Helfet's original! It's a sadly modern disease to imagine that a person's individual gift and unique craft can somehow be bettered or made more contemporarily relevant by playing with it.

"I think I feel all the more strongly about this because, maybe unwittingly, Ford could not have chosen a more inappropriate design to play around with.

"Every car maker - and Britain's tie to the specialist sportster is deeper than most - would die for Helfet's skills and his eye. It would be the corporate crime of this century if Ford ignores them"

[Select image to view original F-TYPE 2000 Concept Press Pack]

[Select image to see details of the Concept cockpit]

[Select image to view F-TYPE 2001 production announcement Press Pack]

'F-TYPE represents one of the greatest design challenges in Jaguar history. It must capture the spirit, sensuousness and passion of the original concept, reflect Jaguar�s future direction and meet real world packaging and performance requirements. The challenge is to create a true 21st century successor to the E-type, the icon of the 60s'

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Your comments on F-TYPE design
That statement is from Jaguar. Now, here is your chance as a Jag-lover to possibly influence the final design of F-TYPE, no longer officially scheduled for production in 2005 - but of course we cannot guarantee anything! ** Your comments are important so please voice them while you have the opportunity We will forward your comments to Jaguar Styling every so often - obviously there will be some checking but as long as the comments are sensible then it does not matter whether they are for or against anything you have seen so far from Jaguar on F-TYPE Concept and Design. Be assured they will be read where it matters most. For instance, you may want to say what you think will make F-TYPE a worldbeater. Or what has** to be incorporated in F-TYPE to make it a Jaguar worthy of being titled the successor to the E-Type (XKE)? (i.e. possibly in terms of appearance, performance, features and/or technology). Note that the picture of an 'F-TYPE' that appeared on the front cover of Autocar for March 14 2001 and has also been copied to various German web site and magazines amongst others. This is Autocar's own artists' impression of what they think the F-type might look like and thus not an official Jaguar picture. Jaguar themselves are apparently still very open to how the car will look. Remember that this model is scheduled for 2005 and needs to look 'fresh' when it finally appears.
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Recent comments [Last 15 of 628 Total]
Date	Name	Country	Occupation
Jan 29 2005 13:31	M R	Australia	IT Consultant
The F-Type is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen, and I immediately knew I would have to have one! Even Ford should listen up when they see that now, roughly 3 years after cancelling the project, people are still talking about it! The new lightweight coupe is nice, but not a stunner like the F-type.

Jan 19 2005 18:11	Ron Smith	United States	Aerospace Engineer
I think the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe is nice as an XK-8 replacement, but the thrust of new car development should be placed on something more modern. Three of the four current Jaguar models are (almost) retro-looking. The new line should break with the past. Think of a rear-engine sports model like the Ferrari 430, or 360, or 355. If Jaguar could put out a car like that at a reasonable price (the Ferrari costs $190,000) it would have a world-beater that would eclipse the legendary XK-E. The current V-8 is just about the right size, too. If it was styled similar to an updated XJ220, Jaguar couldn't make enough of them! I've been waiting for this for 40 years; how about it?

Jan 15 2005 07:00	Thomas Miller	United States
I saw pictures and the video of the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe. The styling is great, except for the bright blue color. It needs a rounder front end to seperate it from the Aston Martins even thought Aston Martin has their own chassis and the next XK will use the new XJ's aluminum chassis. It also needs a bigger grille like the current XK8. I hope the XKR drives like a REAL sports car, but has a good ride quality. It is the year 2005 and Jaguar can no longer rest on its laurels. Perhaps the F-Type can be put on hold until the next XK sells well. Please market the next XK without that young guy's soft British voice in North America because it comes off as being snobby to many people. Market it to BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners and I assure you that it will sell well. Many owners of old and new BMWs find the styling to be downright revolting. The taillights of a 5 series look like a Kia Rio's taillights. The grille of the 5 series looks like the grille of a Pontiac. Many BMW owners are rooting for a car maker to crush BMW, whether that be Cadillac, the new Corvette, the new Pontiac Solstice, Porsche, Aston Martin, or whoever. If Cadillac can make a comeback, I have no doubt that Jaguar can make a great comeback with the help of Ian Callum and the XJ's fantastic aluminum chassis. p.s. Don't forget about the XKSS http://forums1.roadfly.org/jaguar/forums/xke/6040684-1.html

Jan 03 2005 02:56	Rick Kappler	United States
Jaguar should get rid of the X-Type and build the F-Type instead. It doesn't have to have an aluminum chassis but that would be nice. The X-Type is a near-luxury car built by a luxury car brand. Put a new I-6 in the F-Type. Also, offer a MANUAL TRANSMISSION for the 2006 Jaguar X150 (the next aluminum XK). Read the following two articles: http://www.thelandroverchronicle.com/new_page_135.htm http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/microsites/newsarticle.asp?newsarticleid=2728595&siteid=26&magazineid=1004&instanceid=5121&pageid=824&srid=10088

Oct 08 2004 11:45	Theo	United Kingdom	Automobile Car Design Student
Reading the comments on the design of the F-type, I would like to know what would the general public would like to see on a new Jaguar sports car, for the year 2015? Interms of Style/design, 2 door/2 seater, engine size etc. I can be reached by email, reneharrigan@hotmail.com ALL Ideas will be helpful towards a Jag for the future.

Sep 24 2004 21:32	John	United Kingdom	Automotive designer
For over 15 years I have worked for FMC, in Essex and in Coventry, I started on Fiesta at Dunton, and then ended up on the development of X type and then F type until the suspension of the program. Working for Ford the company is and always has been a joy. Ford UK is a very caring employer, a great company. They've brought massive wealth to the local community here in Coventry and in Liverpool. Britain owes a lot to the guys in Dearborn! Yes without them Britain wouldn't have a car industry! Sad but true! But (there's always a but) a lot of the older guys from Browns Lane around here (I live 2 miles away from the plant, don't see Ford as the good guys. Big shame. I understand the economics, yes it's pure and simple, and it makes sense, especially when I compare the current Jaguar product with BMW Audi and Mercedes. (They have volume umm!) (I was very vocal when developing the X type !!) The very essence of what made Jaguar famous and popular, it's very DNA was diluted, by pure cost driven objectives. I said that to the CPE and others! Quality cars such as Jaguars should be designed up to a standard not down to a cost. Shame that. I am passionate about cars I drive a German 911 Porsche why? I like well funded and engineered cars, I wanted my F type but sadly!! (name withheld but me on e-mail takeiteazi3@aol.com)

Sep 09 2004 22:40	Jean-Marc Freslon	United States	Structural Engineer
In the today's world a lot of concept cars are banalized thru the process of marketing studies,industrialisation and overall profit rechearch by the manufacturers... when they give the "green light" for a project! Should the "F" Type be spoiled that way by the Ford Co guys, and I'd liked to keep a poster of it in my office. If the project evolute in a Jaguar Heritage way and pull off its soul straight from the concept, I promess myself to buy one... The actual Jaguar aluminium chassis/unybody technology trend is exactly the right choice: Please disengage from the engine high power output escalade and work hard on the power to weight ratio: Have you ever drove a "C" or a "D" Type from the fifties? OK they were racing cars and in the name of safety you cannot retrieve the same figures on a production car, but what about the sensational feeling when you steer and brake such lightweight, well poised cars? In one word, I don't mind about "ultimate driving machine", I want the Jaguar technology of the future and the emotions of the past... Thank you to read me up to the -temporary- end. All the best. Jean-Marc,Francais vivant a Phoenix AZ. P.S.:1- I owned a Berlina XJ6 Van Den Plas (1973) that I sold a couple of years ago, and it was the best Sedan of my life. 2- I own 9 Alfa Romeo in collection... Jean-Marc Freslon, Francais vivant a Phoenix Arizona.

Aug 14 2004 22:21	Borges, Eduardo	Azores	E-Type owner
I absolutely agree with Mr Herbert Sodher words (June 06.2004). With Ford Motor Company, the spirit of "old true Jaguar's" is simply gone ... even the �Tchaikosvsky engine music of a E-Type� is no more available !

Jun 06 2004 05:50	Herbert Sodher	United States	Civil Servant
There is a belief that although Ford Motor Company saved it from extinction, it has never the less ruined the true essence and spirit of Jaguar. Space, Pace, and Grace symbolized a company that offered more in performance and beauty than almost any other car in the world. Please consider: -- The F-TYPE captured a masterful spirit of a modern E-TYPE truely one of the most beautiful cars ever created. -- Jag has no true sports cars in the USA, no V-12, no manual trans. All its competetion does. If not the F-TYPE, or similar, why does Jag exist?

May 24 2004 05:34	earl	United States	married 20 years!
i knew i was in trouble when i saw that pontiac was coming out with a 2 seat droptop and i was tempted. true, jaguar has the tradition of the luxorollers which they are still doing wonderfully today. but they also have the sport cars which they have been neglecting. it is a viable market segment from high end to economy with many car makers setting forth their offerings. this is someplace where jaguar should feel right at home and be a player. but instead they are breaking new ground with a diesel powered station wagon. i could just weep.

May 17 2004 14:48	Paul Read	Netherlands	IT Manager
If AutoExpress is to be believed, th F-Type is back on! (6th May 2004) Based on the next X-Type, so front engine, RWD. Reveal 2006, on sale 2007. Finally. Please let it be gorgeous. Let it remind us in subtle ways of the C,D and E-Types, but be as remarkable and ahead of its time as they were in their day. May it be iconic. May it adorn the bedroom walls of boys, young and old. Let it leave motoring jounalists breathless and smitten. If it looks anything like the original prototype and drives like it looks, it should do all that and more. Roll on 2007!

Apr 14 2004 17:48	Tony Brown	France	Journalist
Much as the XK180's loss is to be regretted, Jaguar had a simple choice to make - a low volume sports car, or a diesel engine which would increase sales, especially in Europe, leaving more funds for the future. It compares in many ways to the original XJ220 concept versus the final product - V6/V12, 2/4 wheel drive. Would the XK180 have come out as originally shown? I doubt it - the bean counters would have had their way. However, you can buy one anyway, if you look hard enough. Tempero Cars of New Zealand make one in alloy based on an XK8 donor car, and I have looked up the site on the 'net. Interesting selection of replicas they make too. I have no connection with the company by the way. Myself? I have a 1961 E Type roadster and a Lynx D type, the former being mine for 23 years and 120,000 miles. Happy Jaguaring

Apr 13 2004 01:33	Kyle Marx	United States	investment advisor
I own a beautiful 2003 XKR convertible. i look forward to the new model whenever it comes out. One thing is for certain, the XK-180 was beautiful and would be a magnificent car. It kept the long hood and short rear end both with long and curvy lines. It would have also kept the large amount of wood on the dash and hopefully other places. Jaguar owners don't want sterile stainless steel or aluminum dashes, they want rich warm wood. High tech under the hood, simplicity and beauty everywhere else. I am 49 and look forward to my next XK and XJ. I have owned BMW's for the past 28 years and this XK is my first Jag. I had a 1995 850 CSI, 2000 745iL and a 2003 745 li. I have sorely missed my 745 and 850. The new BMW's have no beauty and what caught my eye with Jaguar was the beauty. I love the new XJ and will be replacing my 2003 745li with it in 2005. Please give me a new but beautiful XK for my next car in 2007. The F type I hope looks more like the XK 180, which is the most desirable car I have ever seen. Please build it.

Apr 01 2004 23:07	Blake McKinney	United States	Attorney
I am deeply saddened that Ford has elected to halt their plans for the F-Type production. I think it was one of the few designs that could live up to and continue the legend of the E-Type. I hope someone in a position of power will reconsider. At least give us some hope that this beautiful concept may come to fruition sometime in the not too distant future.

Mar 26 2004 19:40	Lester Batchelor	United Kingdom	Creative Director
I am a Jaguar fanatic, I just love the marque, I am a proud owner of 5 Jags, one of them and e-Type. I was estatic having seen all three iterations of the now defunct designs. In 2001 I was preparing to put an order in for the last car that I saw featured in a German magazine, the model that was to do battle with a Porsche Boxter with the engine in the back. I was devastated when the program was cancelled. I am now in my early forties, but I have owned jaguars since my late twenties. Jaguar say that they are trying to appeal to the younger driver, but every time an exciting design appears from the Jaguar studios, it is compromised, postponed or shelved. I often wonder why ? I really do hope that messers Callum and Thompson do manage to convince the powers that be at Jaguar to design a truly iconic automobile, like the E-Type that captured the imagination and hearts of so many fans worldwide, that was a real triumph of greatness. I believe Jaguar right now has the best design talent on the planet in Callum, Helfet, and Thompson so why don't they allow these guys to really produce something special to again capture the autmotive worlds imagination like only a jaguar F-Type can. LB.

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