- The reborn XK will spearhead Jaguar’s sports car family.
- The flagship sports coupe will be a 2+2 version of the F-Type.
- The XK will be entirely new and will be arriving sometime in 2021.
Jaguar discontinued the celebrated XK back in 2014. The sports coupe from Coventry was a direct rival to the M3s and C63s. The F-Type, which is the only sports coupe model in Jaguar line-up, came in 2012. It was based on the redesigned XK platform and it was an instant hit across the world. But now, Jaguar realises the need for a sports car family which will extend beyond the F-Type. This would happen with the rekindled XK which is reportedly under development.
The reborn XK will spearhead the Jaguar’s proposed sports car family. Despite the growth in SUV’s demand, Jaguar believes there is scope for a 2+2 sports car in its line-up. The new sports car family will be dependent on JLR’s next-generation platform strategy. The current F-Type is due for a generation change in a couple of years’ time. The new F-Type will employ flexible architecture which, in turn, can underpin the 2+2 XK.
This new scalable platform would also be flexible to accommodate various powertrain options as well. However, what is unsure at the moment is whether this platform would also accommodate a plug-in hybrid. There are reports that the new-gen F-Type will be powered by JLR’s standard Ingenium family of engines. So the straight-six motors could replace the Ford-derived V6 of the current car. Apart from regular versions, there will also be range-topping SVR variants of both the upcoming sports cars.
The resurrected XK will have to face a new-generation of rivals now which would include everything from the BMW M4, Audi RS5, Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 992 911, Mercedes AMG GT, McLaren 570S and Lexus LC.
