(MAHWAH, N.J.) - Jaguar North America announced record levels of consumer engagement have been achieved for the growing British luxury brand with the launch of its "British Villains" marketing campaign, led by the broadcast debut of " Rendezvous," its 60-second cinematic television advertisement that broadcast during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVIII. The spot launched the campaign, which introduces the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe (on sale spring, 2014) and features the campaign's unique hashtag, #GoodToBeBad. "Rendezvous," Jaguar's first Super Bowl TV advertisement, stars Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Strong and was filmed by Oscar-winning British director, Tom Hooper, in London.

Since the campaign announcement in November and through the evening of the Super Bowl airing of "Rendezvous," Jaguar saw extraordinary increases in traffic to JaguarUSA.com and social channels.

Brand Social Mentions

• Since the start of the brand's British Villains Campaign (Nov. 7) Jaguar's average daily brand social mentions increased 30 percent. On Sunday, February 2, 2014, Jaguar's one day brand social mentions spiked 12X to an all-time one day high
• For the duration of the three months, Jaguar had a 47 percent increase in average monthly brand social mentions compared to the previous three months' average

YouTube Traffic

• In only its first five days, Jaguar has 7.5 Million views of "Rendezvous," making it Jaguar's highest viewed YouTube video ever

Twitter Engagement

• Since campaign launch in November, Jaguar has a 26 percent increase in followers of the JaguarUSA Twitter handle

"Jaguar is a fast growing luxury brand with an interesting new position as a British challenger brand and a new lineup of dynamic sports cars and sports sedans," said Jeff Curry Brand Vice President, Jaguar North America. "Launching the F-TYPE Coupe campaign with a Super Bowl advertisement gave us a huge platform to share our vision of British sophistication and charm to our target audience, and introduce America to the modern Jaguar brand and the all new F-TYPE Coupe. Our record levels of interest this past week are early indicators Jaguar is greatly benefiting from the national exposure and social engagement that comes from participating in the Super Bowl broadcast."

"Our goal for the British Villains campaign was to bring a cinematic level of entertainment and quality to automotive advertising befitting a luxury British brand and have a bit of fun along the way," added Curry. "The reaction we have garnered is nothing less than transformative: new highs in traffic to our consumer website, JaguarUSA.com; new highs in YouTube views; and new highs in social mentions, combined with a general acknowledgement that the market is very interested in our newest 550-HP British bad boy."

"Finally, we could not be more proud to have brought to America an entertaining campaign with literally the finest in British entertainment: Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Strong, all under Oscar-winner Tom Hooper's flawless direction and supported by The London Symphony Orchestra," said Curry.

Jaguar launched the "preview" campaign for its Super Bowl spot, beginning with the airing of its teaser, "The Set-Up," on January 11-12, and the online debut of "Rendezvous" on YouTube on January 28.

During the game Jaguar captured consumer data in real-time, in a unique physical space called "The Loop." Developed by Jaguar's media agency partner Mindshare, the space featured multiple screens that monitored consumer data to be leveraged in its rapid marketing decisions, or "adaptive marketing." Jaguar monitored social platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, around Super Bowl XLVIII for trending topics and discussions related to the brand, F-TYPE Coupe campaign and the game. The brand responded in real time to relevant tweets and messages via their social media platforms.

The "British Villains" campaign captures the premise that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence with charm, restlessness with calm, and are always confident. "Rendezvous" opens with Sir Ben Kingsley asking the question, 'Have you ever noticed how in Hollywood movies, all the villains are played by Brits?' The spot then shows the new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe being driven by Strong and effortlessly navigating through modern-iconic London as he is on his way to meet with fellow villains, Sir Ben and Tom Hiddleston.

"Rendezvous" was filmed by Hooper in London in a creative partnership with his Smuggler Films production house. The spot's original score for "Rendezvous" was composed and conducted by Alexandre Desplat, who worked with Tom Hooper on The Kings Speech and recorded by The London Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road studios.

Jaguar is hosting a dedicated landing page for the campaign, www.BritishVillains.com, with information about the F-TYPE Coupe, the commercial and some unique video content including teasers starring each of the three actors. In addition to broadcast, the multi-channel campaign's Super Bowl efforts included unique outdoor creative throughout New York City, print, digital and consumer activations hosted with a wide array of media partners, and special events in the week leading up to the Super Bowl. The British Villains campaign continues with regularly updated content through July.

SPARK44, the lead strategic communications partner for Jaguar, is responsible for the creative positioning and strategy behind the campaign, while Mindshare manages the communications planning and buying.

Jaguar North America debuted digitally "Rendezvous", its 60-second television cinematic advertisement that will be broadcast for the first time during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVIII. The spot launches the "British Villains" campaign, which introduces the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe (on sale spring, 2014) and features the campaign's unique hashtag, #GoodToBeBad. "Rendezvous" stars Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Strong and was filmed by Oscar-winning British director, Tom Hooper, in London. It is Jaguar's first Super Bowl TV advertisement.

"Super Bowl week is a major milestone for the Jaguar brand as we present our newest and fastest model, the F-TYPE Coupe, to millions of current and future potential customers," said Jeff Curry, Brand Vice President, Jaguar North America. "We are sharing the 60- second spot online this week as interest rises, but really look forward to presenting the F-TYPE coupe and our British villains in action to the viewers in high definition during the game."

"British Villains" captures the premise that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence with charm, restlessness with calm, and are always confident. "Rendezvous" opens with Sir Ben Kingsley asking the question, 'Have you ever noticed how in Hollywood movies, all the villains are played by Brits?'

The spot then shows the new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe being driven by Strong and effortlessly navigating through modern-iconic London as he is on his way to meet with fellow villains, Sir Ben and Tom Hiddleston.

"Rendezvous" was filmed by Hooper in London in a creative partnership with his Smuggler Films production house. The spot's original score for "Rendezvous" was composed and conducted by Alexandre Desplat, who worked with Tom Hooper on The Kings Speech and recorded by The London Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road studios.

"Rendezvous was filmed with the realization that many of today's television viewers have access to beautifully sharp picture screens and multi-channel surround sound not unlike the best movie theaters," said Curry. "The 'British Villains' TV spot combines an entertaining, thoughtful narrative with a visual and aural quality that conveys the excitement of owning and driving a high performance Jaguar F-TYPE. We hope viewers turn the volume up."

Jaguar recently launched the campaign's dedicated landing page, www.BritishVillains.com, The site hosts information about the F-TYPE Coupe, the commercial and some unique video content including teasers starring each of the three actors; collectively already boasting over 400,000 views.

This week, leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII, Jaguar will host an event with Deadspin as part of their partnership with Gawker Media, and two co-sponsored events with Sports Illustrated, including the magazine's Super Saturday event the night before the big game.

During the game, itself, Jaguar aims to be the most real-time engaged advertiser during the Super Bowl through a unique physical space called"The Loop," developed by Mindshare, where multiple screens will monitor real-time consumer data and translate it into actionable insights, and ultimately, rapid marketing decisions, or "adaptive marketing." Jaguar will monitor social platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, around Super Bowl XLVIII for trending topics and discussions related to the brand, F-TYPE Coupe campaign and the game. The brand will respond in real time to relevant tweets and messages via their social media platforms.

"The Loop" is the first real-time marketing tool to impact paid media - whereby media dollars can be quickly shifted and redeployed to leverage opportunities uncovered by the data. During the game, Jaguar will have the ability to adjust the digital search ad buys based on real time observations. Rapid, relevant and responsive, "The Loop" puts data at the center and creates a channel-agnostic, holistic approach to real-time marketing in an unprecedented manner.

Andrew Maclean from Drive compares V8 convertibles from Germany and the United Kingdom.

• Jaguar F-Type V8 S: from $201,945 plus on-road costs. 5.0-litre supercharged V8; 364kW/625Nm; eight-speed auto; 11.1L/100km; RWD

• Audi RS5 Cabriolet: from $175,900 plus on-road costs. 4.2-litre V8; 331kW/430Nm; seven-speed dual-clutch auto; 10.7L/100km; AWD

Audi

Kicks things off with a clear $25k advantage on price, and is a genuine four-seater convertible. Comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats (for all four occupants with neck-level heating up front), Xenon lights, sat-nav, Bluetooth, 20GB hard drive, reverse camera and a wind deflector.

Jaguar

The mid-spec V6 S almost matches the RS5 at $171,045 plus on-road costs. But for this test we’ve chosen the flagship V8, which is $26k more expensive. Still, it comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, sat-nav, Xenon lights, Bluetooth, parking sensors and a Meridien sound system. Has a long list of costly options (which are standard on the Audi), including rain-sensing wipers, heated seats and dual-zone air-conditioning.

Winner: Audi

Inside

Audi

Has all the hallmarks of Audi’s typically clinical yet classy interior design, with a bit more sportiness thrown in to match its RS credentials, such as its flat-bottomed steering wheel and figure-hugging sports seats. Otherwise, it’s a well thought-out cabin with clear instruments, an easy-to-use multi media system and quality materials. Back seats are easily accessible and spacious enough for adults and, although the folding fabric roof reduces the boot space over the coupe on which it it based, it has a useable 380L cargo-carrying capacity, enough for a couple of decent-sized bags for a weekend away.

Jaguar

The two-seater layout obviously brings with it compromises - particularly in terms of passenger space and storage - but the Jaguar definitely has a more dramatic appearance with its driver-focussed cockpit. The driving position is lower and more sports-oriented, the colour screen between the speedo and tacho is clearer and the touch screen audio system easier to navigate. There are neat features such as the pulsing gold starter button, the anodised look of the steering wheel paddle shifters and the way the central air vents rise from within the dash. Its boot, however, is ridiculously small with a space-saver spare tyre leaving little room for luggage.

Winner: Audi

Engine

Audi

The RS5’s naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 is one of the greatest engines of its kind with a linear power delivery that rises to a wailing crescendo as the revs rise to its sky-high 8250rpm redline. While it is smooth at low revs and is happy to crawl around town with its slick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch, it needs to be worked hard to get the best out of it, particularly considering the RS5 Cabriolet weighs in at a hefty 1900-plus kilograms. Audi claims it can rocket from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is an average 10.7L/100km but we saw more like 14L/100km in everyday driving.

Jaguar

5.0-litre supercharged V8 is a theatrical masterpiece. It doesn’t rev as high as the Audi, but its force-fed nature means it has more instant punch thanks to almost 200Nm more torque and available between 2500-5500rpm. While the Audi sounds like a race car at high revs, the Jaguar thunders away at almost any speed and cracks and pops like a fireworks display when you back off the accelerator; it is loud and sometimes obnoxious, but it’s a great sound. At less than 1700kg it’s also quicker, with Jaguar claiming it can reach 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. But it also drinks a bit with a claimed average fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km that can easily blow out to 14L/100km.

Winner: Jaguar

How it drives

Audi

Like all RS models, there’s stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and wider tyres. It also feeds power to all four wheels and apportions power to the outside rear wheel under heavy acceleration, which works a treat delivering plenty of grip and predictable handling. But, the ride can be harsh and the body can flex over bumps. The adjustable steering is either too sensitive in its Comfort setting or too artificial in its Sport mode. As a four-seater cruiser it is a great car, but as a sports car it can feel compromised.

Jaguar

The F-Type feels like a genuine sports car at any speed, thanks to its rear-drive underpinnings and hot rod philosophy. The body is stiffer, the steering more natural and it has a better blend of comfort and sportiness in its suspension settings.

Winner: Jaguar

Street Appeal

Audi

As far as four-seat drop-tops are concerned, the RS5 is a suitably aggressive looking car with its pumped-out guards, big wheels and subtle body kit. It looks just as good with its roof down as it does with it in place, but whether the RS additions are noticeable enough to turn heads for anyone other than Audi-philes is debatable.

Jaguar

The F-Type is one of the most-stunning new cars introduced last year, with a style that is both modern and classically-styled. It has enough hallmark design cues drawn from the iconic E-Type to satisfy Jaguar’s traditionalists, yet its sleek long-nosed, short-rear proportions are littered with the latest techy treats that it looks thoroughly 21st century. It is a true head turner, and unmistakably a Jaguar.

Winner: Jaguar

Verdict

Audi

There’s a lot to like about the RS5 Cabriolet, but it’s a car that seems compromised by the RS treatment. The less powerful S4 is a better cabriolet and the RS5 coupe a better sports car.

Jaguar

The Audi is better built, cheaper, seats four adults and has more standard equipment, but there’s a lot to love about the F-Type. It’s a more emotional car and as good as being a convertible as it is a sports car.

Winner: Jaguar

http://theage.drive.com.au/new-car-comparison/audi...

Jaguar has highlighted the versatility of its acclaimed C-X17 sports crossover concept vehicle with the debut of a luxurious new five-seater version at the 2013 Guangzhou motor show in China.

The new model features a bespoke ultra-luxury interior incorporating a range of new high-quality design elements in combination with advanced infotainment technology and innovative safety features such as Rear Exit Detection.

Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013, the C-X17 design study showcased Jaguar's all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture, on which an exciting range of future Jaguars will be built.

The Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé, the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever, has made a dramatic debut in Los Angeles at Raleigh Studios.

The first glimpse the assembled 500 media, celebrities and customers at the exclusive reveal event saw of F-TYPE R Coupé was of it accelerating towards them before it passed under their grandstand into a hidden tunnel at full throttle.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar said: "Creating a sports Coupé is the purest of design tasks, and also the most challenging; get it right and aesthetically the result will be as dynamic as the car should be rewarding to drive. In F-TYPE Coupé, I believe we've got it right.

"The dramatic debut of the 550PS F-TYPE R Coupé in Los Angeles this evening - possibly the most dynamic reveal of a car ever - underlines its performance credentials."

The F-TYPE Coupé model line-up is headlined by the F-TYPE R Coupé, its 550PS/680Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine enabling acceleration from 0-60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph (limited). F-TYPE S Coupé and F-TYPE Coupé models complete the range, powered respectively by 380PS and 340PS versions of Jaguar's 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine, giving 0-60mph in 4.8/5.1-seconds and top speeds of 171/161mph.

The F-TYPE Coupé range complements the existing 2013 'World Car Design of the Year' award-winning F-TYPE Convertible model line-up of F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S.

The all-aluminium F-TYPE Coupé - the most dynamically capable, performance-focused sports car that Jaguar has ever produced - is available in three versions:

F-TYPE R, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE.

The range-topping F-TYPE R Coupé is powered by Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in 550PS/680Nm tune, delivering acceleration to 60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph (electronically limited).

The F-TYPE S Coupé and F-TYPE Coupé are powered by Jaguar's 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engines in 380PS/460Nm and 340PS/450Nm forms respectively, giving 0-60mph in 4.8/5.1-seconds and top speeds of 171/161mph.

The F-TYPE Coupé embodies the uncompromised design vision of the stunning Jaguar C-X16 concept sports coupé that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, its dramatic cabin-rearward stance being defined by three heartlines. The first two heartlines - shared with F-TYPE Convertible - form the muscular front and rear wings, the third heartline being the sweeping Coupé roof profile which provides an unbroken silhouette while emphasising the visual drama of the tapered cabin sitting between powerful rear haunches.

Jaguar's expertise in aluminium technology has enabled the design vision for the F-TYPE Coupé to be delivered in a lightweight yet extremely strong bodyshell. Torsional rigidity for all F-TYPE Coupé variants is 33,000 Nm/degree - greater than in any previous production Jaguar - this rigidity providing the basis for excellent dynamic attributes.

The F-TYPE Coupé's body side is made from a single piece aluminium pressing, probably the most extreme cold-formed aluminium body side in the automotive industry, eliminating the requirement for multiple panels and cosmetic joints. The roof panel itself is available in either aluminium or panoramic glass form. A deployable rear spoiler sits within the tapered shut-line of the F-TYPE Coupé, while slim, wrap-around LED lamps flank a beautifully engineered tailgate, with optional powered open/close functionality.

To deliver assured, progressive handling in line with its 550PS output, the range-topping F-TYPE R Coupé features a bespoke suspension set-up and new dynamic technologies. These include a second-generation Electronic Active Differential (EAD) and - for the first time on a Jaguar - Torque Vectoring by braking, these systems working in parallel to provide immediacy of response and exploitable handling. The EAD system automatically redistributes engine torque between the rear wheels to ensure excellent on-the-limit control, while Torque Vectoring by braking intelligently applies precisely metered braking force to the inner wheels as necessary during cornering to enhance agility. Sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics damping and Configurable Dynamic Mode further enhance the F-TYPE R's immediacy of response, providing an exhilarating and involving driving experience.

F-TYPE R and F-TYPE S Coupé models also have the option of Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes which offer absolute consistency of performance and excellent fade resistance, as well as a total unsprung-weight saving of 21kg.

Every F-TYPE Coupé model utilises Jaguar's eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift transmission which is optimised for sporting performance, with full manual sequential control from the central SportShift selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The F-TYPE Coupé range complements the existing three-car F-TYPE Convertible model line-up; the V6-engined F-TYPE (340PS) and F-TYPE S (380PS), and the 495PS F-TYPE V8 S.

"With F-TYPE Coupé, the Jaguar engineering team has exceeded our considerable target of building a car that delivers even more driver reward than the acclaimed F-TYPE Convertible. Engineering an exceptionally rigid all-aluminium Coupé body structure was the key to achieving this, as it's the fundamental basis for enhanced dynamic attributes. The result is that the F-TYPE Coupé is the most dynamically capable and involving Jaguar we've ever built."

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar

Jaguar's acclaimed C-X17 sports crossover concept vehicle has premiered at the Dubai International Motor Show 2013.

The C-X17 has been created as a design study to introduce Jaguar's all-new advanced aluminium architecture, on which an exciting new range of future Jaguars will be built, beginning with a new mid-sized C/D segment sedan in 2015.

The C-X17 concept is one example of the diversity of vehicles that could be produced using the modular, scalable new architecture. As a sports crossover, it combines the character and driving experience of a sports car with increased presence and flexibility - all imbued with the sleek lines and luxurious sophistication Jaguar is renowned for.

The C-X17 was presnted in Dubai in a lustrous Liquid Aluminium liquid metal finish Purr-fect.

The Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé - the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever - will make its global debut on 19 November, the eve of the Los Angeles auto show.

The all-aluminium F-TYPE Coupé range will deliver in production form the uncompromised design vision of the acclaimed C-X16 concept, and will complement the existing 2013 'World Car Design of the Year' award-winning F-TYPE Convertible range.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: "The excitement generated when we revealed the C-X16 concept was terrific; so to now be on the cusp of what I can assure you will be a drama-filled reveal event in Los Angeles for F-TYPE Coupé is a very significant moment.

"We've been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to F-TYPE Convertible, but for me the purity of creating a sports Coupé is a uniquely satisfying process - and I know that both visually and dynamically, F-TYPE Coupé raises the bar yet again."

Full technical details, images and film of F-TYPE Coupé will be available on November 20.

Jaguar Land Rover achieved a remarkable triple success at the 2013 Scottish Car of the Year Awards, with honours going to the new Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Jaguar F-TYPE sports car.

The Jaguar F-TYPE beat stiff competition to win the Sporting category award, impressing the judges - some of Scotland's most important motoring journalists - with its elegant design, formidable performance and impressive customer appeal. Alisdair Suttie, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: "We have waited a very long time for the Jaguar F-TYPE, more than four decades in fact, but this year's Sporting winner does it with panache. It also does it with elegance, superb performance and complete desirability."

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, accepted the award at a ceremony in Glasgow and commented: "This award is a wonderful recognition of the efforts invested in creating the new F-TYPE. It is a sports car that reaffirms the brand's sporting bloodline in both its performance and design."

F-TYPE has also been voted winner of the Autonis design award by the respected German motoring magazine, Auto Motor und Sport, following a poll of its readers.

The F-TYPE, which has been available in Germany since May of this year, was judged in the convertible segment - one of eight categories - taking top-spot with an outstanding 32 per cent of almost 18,000 reader votes.

Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum, and Peter Modelhart, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover Germany, accepted the prize at an awards ceremony at Hohenheim Castle yesterday evening.

Speaking from the ceremony, Ian Callum said: "Creating the F-TYPE has given both my team and I great satisfaction. Working on a sports car that holds true to Jaguar's design values - beauty of line and purity of form - has been a great privilege, and I'm honoured the readers of Auto Motor und Sport have recognised our work with this award."

Purr-fect!

Wallpaper* Handmade, the must-see exhibition during Milan's Salone del Mobile, makes its London debut today at Harrods with a spectacular 'best of presentation' and five unique new pieces produced in collaboration with Jaguar. To celebrate the occasion, Jaguar Advanced Design presented the stunning C-X17 concept vehicle for the first time in the UK, positioned outside the luxury Knightsbridge store and alongside two other exciting Jaguar design concepts; the C-X75 hybrid hypercar and Jaguar heritage-inspired Project 7 sports car.

Over 50 Wallpaper* Handmade pieces, produced by the likes of Hermès, Alfredo Häberli, Harry Winston, Konstantin Grcic, Isay Weinfeld, Paul Cocksedge, Michael Anastassiades, the late David Collins, Barber Osgerby, Brioni, Naoto Fukasawa, Louis Vuitton, Sam Hecht and Poltrona Frau to name but a few, will be on display across 12 windows in the iconic Harrods store.

They will be joined by five new concept products*** which explore Jaguar's design language and advanced technology, by Moritz Waldemeyer, Neri & Hu, Mathieu Gustafsson, Fredrikson Stallard and Salvatori & Jaguar Advanced Design.

Julian Thomson, Jaguar Advanced Design director said:"This partnership with Wallpaper* is very exciting and it is a great opportunity to apply Jaguar design philosophy in new forms and to inspire a culturally diverse audience.

"We have seen our concept cars excite audiences worldwide this year. I am delighted that the UK debut of C-X17 is part of this event and we are able to show another surprising and inspiring side of the modern Jaguar brand to people in London today."

Tony Chambers, Wallpaper* Editor-in-Chief commented: "Our Handmade project is testimony to the power of good design, great ideas, creative collaboration and quality production. We are delighted to bring some of the best pieces from our annual celebration of art, craft, skill and vision to London - with the best British partners one could wish for: Harrods and Jaguar."

Mark Briggs, Harrods store image director said:'As world leaders in style, design and technology, we are delighted to be working with Wallpaper* and Jaguar to bring the Handmade exhibition from Milan to London for the first time. The world-renowned Harrods windows will present this year's shortlisted designers in the perfect luxury space, for all to see.'

Wallpaper* Handmade with Jaguar runs from 4 October until 22 October at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL.

Jaguar's first ever sports crossover concept vehicle - the C-X17 - made its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Since then Jaguar has confirmed production of their new SUV for 2016.

Above: Evo's take on the all new CX-17 concept

The C-X17 has been created as a design study to introduce Jaguar's all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture, codenamed iQ[Al],on which an exciting range of future Jaguars will be built. This new philosophy underpins the entire innovative future of the Jaguar brand. A modular and scalable vehicle architecture, engineered and developed for Jaguar, the architecture is high-strength, lightweight, extremely stiff and incorporates innovative efficiency technologies. It enables flexible high-volume production while allowing creative design freedom and competitive interior packaging, without compromising the unique character, dynamics, performance and luxury that Jaguar is famous for. This will enable Jaguar to grow its product portfolio, targeting high-growth areas of the premium market.

As a sports crossover, the Jaguar C-X17 stretches the design possibilities of the segment by combining the character and driving experience of a sports car with increased presence, style and flexibility. The sports crossover concept represents the potential expansion of Jaguar's portfolio of body styles, with the associated enhancement of the brand's relevance and appeal to a wider global audience.

"The C-X17 sports crossover represents an exciting new direction for Jaguar. Its purpose is to highlight our all-new aluminium architecture. With this technical foundation, we will dramatically expand Jaguar's product offering, market potential and customer appeal. This new philosophy will bring technology from our luxury products into an accessible price segment, and when combined with our new ultra-efficient engines, we will set a global standard. Add to these rational values, the class-leading dynamics, and the beauty and purity of form that Jaguar is renowned for, and we have the formula for a monumental leap forward."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

Jaguar's first product from the new iQ[Al] architecture will be a new premium C/D segment sedan. Its global rollout will begin in 2015, and it will be the first aluminium monocoque product in the segment.

Power will be provided by engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies without sacrificing drivability. These will include the high-output petrol and diesel engines to be built at Jaguar Land Rover's new engine manufacturing facility in the UK, as well as the powerful V6 petrol engine in the F-TYPE, which will provide best-in-class specific power output thanks to the lightweight architecture. These attributes will enable Jaguar to offer a wider variety of vehicles, with exhilarating performance, top speeds of over 300km/h (186mph), as well as emissions below 100g of CO2 per kilometre.

The C-X17 concept illustrates the diversity of vehicles that could be produced using the architecture. A four-seater sports crossover concept built on the aluminium-intensive architecture, it blends sleek lines, sporting design and luxurious sophistication with enhanced flexibility and an assured driving position. In its exciting proportions, purity of form and its beautiful lines - overseen by Director of Design Ian Callum - the C-X17 is every inch a Jaguar.

The C-X17 could offer refined on-road dynamics and sedan car-like handling, thanks to its low height, optimised centre of gravity, and use of cutting-edge dynamic technologies such as Torque Vectoring by Braking, in which the car intelligently uses its brake system to balance the distribution of engine torque to the wheels during cornering, reducing understeer and maximising grip.

"We designed the C-X17 from the ground up from a distinct set of principles, a deep sense of what makes a Jaguar: exciting proportions, clean lines, balance of form. Assertive and powerful, yet with a beautiful sensuality about it, the C-X17 is boldly, distinctively Jaguar."

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar

At 4,718mm long and 1,649mm tall, its dimensions are clearly that of a crossover, yet in its design it shares strong family traits with Jaguar's current range. For instance, the grille is an evolution of the distinctive nose of the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, while the sculptured haunch lines hint strongly of the award-winning design of the Jaguar F-TYPE sports car. A low-sitting stance and overall profile combine with 23-inch alloy wheels to give the C-X17 a sporting, aggressive presence, while the LED headlamps, J-shaped running lights and frosted-glass foglights set into the large front intakes add to the C-X17's purposeful intent. The C-X17 is painted in a lustrous Caesium Blue finish, with gloss black brightwork surrounding the windows, while the split five-spoke alloys are Dark Atlas graphite with gloss black finishers.

The interior of the C-X17 features four individual bucket seats, which are luxuriously appointed, yet designed for a sculpted, lightweight appearance. The car's unique roof features contoured vanes that provide a distinctive 'elliptical' panoramic view to the C-X17's passengers, while retaining the roof's sleek appearance from the exterior. Two additional rear-mounted leisure seats incorporated in the boot floor swing out for recreational use. Accessories that support an active lifestyle, such as a torch and a camera, are positioned in storage compartments in the boot.

The interior of the C-X17 marries premium, authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship with modern finishing techniques. It features a combination of Jet saddle Connolly leather and Orchid Connolly leather on the instrument panel, seats, armrests, doors, floor and in the boot, with stitching on the saddle leather creating a tactile feel. A subtle layered effect is created through the use of die-cut Houndstooth-pattern leather patches on the main leather panels. Ruthenium, milled aluminium and black brushed anodised metal finishes impart a darker tonal effect to the C-X17's interior. The door finish is gloss black.

A centre tunnel running the length of the car, from the instrument panel through to the rear passenger seats, incorporates the Interactive Surface Console - an interactive multi-passenger infotainment hub with a series of touchscreens under a continuous panel of transparent acrylic glass, which in conjunction with the secure in-car wi-fi network, enables the vehicle's passengers to connect and share experiences with each other and the outside world via social media. The C-X17's premium in-car digital audio system has been specially designed for the vehicle by British specialist audio firm Meridian, and the car's centre console is configured for a Head Up Display projector.

ALL-NEW ALUMINIUM ARCHITECTURE: UNDERPINNING THE FUTURE

iQ[Al] is not just a vehicle architecture, it is a completely new philosophy that underpins the innovative future of the Jaguar brand, enabling Jaguar to significantly grow its product portfolio, targeting high-growth areas of the premium market in global markets.

The first Jaguar to be delivered from the new architecture will be a new C/D segment premium sedan, which will be rolled-out globally from 2015. The first aluminium monocoque product in its segment, the new sedan will be produced at an all-new, ultra high-tech production facility in Solihull, creating new jobs and substantial opportunities for the supplier base.

The aluminium-intensive architecture will be modular and scalable, providing a high degree of flexibility and making it possible to produce a wider bandwidth of models and derivatives than ever before. It is lightweight, extremely stiff and incorporates innovative technologies that emphasises Jaguar's commitment to sustainability, such as a new high-strength alloy made from almost 100% recycled raw material.

The architecture is being carefully developed to fully incorporate all the vehicle attributes established by Jaguar engineers. All products will perform like true Jaguars, the flexibility and scope of the architecture guaranteeing the individual character of each one. Jaguar design and engineering teams collaborated closely on its development from the outset to ensure versatility of design combined with fully competitive interior packaging.

The flexibility that this architecture will provide, means Jaguar designers and engineers can apply the philosophy "anything we can imagine, we can create," to deliver a new portfolio of products less restricted by technical or manufacturing constraints. The new architecture will allow Jaguar to move into higher volume production, without compromising the unique character, breath-taking design, outstanding vehicle dynamics, performance and luxury that Jaguar is famous for. The flexibility of the new architecture will enable the manufacture of different products on the same production line at the same time. The highly efficient, state-of-the-art production process will allow rapid response to variations in market demand for individual models by balancing production volume accordingly.

POWERTRAINS

Future Jaguars will be powered by engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies, without sacrificing drivability or feel. The new sedan will be the first vehicle to be equipped with all-new four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, allowing Jaguar to break the 100g CO2/km barrier for the first time. These advanced, high-output engines will be built at Jaguar Land Rover's new engine production facility, currently under construction in Wolverhampton in the UK as part of a £500 million investment, which will be operational from 2015.

These vehicles are also designed to be powered by the powerful V6 petrol engine seen in the Jaguar F-TYPE sports car, which, combined with the lightweight architecture, will bestow them with best-in-class specific power output as in the F-TYPE. Together, the family of engines will offer the best of both worlds and deliver all-encompassing capabilities: sporting performance and class-leading fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

C-X17 DYNAMICS: FLEET-FOOTED AND SURE-FOOTED

As a sports crossover, the C-X17 concept is positioned as a driver's car. It has an on-road bias, and its low height, optimised centre of gravity and lightweight all-aluminium body endow it with superior, car-like driving dynamics and a level of agility that would make it quite at home on the fastest roads. The C-X17 also features cutting-edge dynamic technologies such as Torque Vectoring by Braking, a system which constantly monitors the vehicle's cornering dynamics and, when required, intelligently uses the brake system to rebalance the distribution of engine torque to the wheels, in order to reduce understeer and maximise grip.

With its 213mm ground clearance and intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the C-X17 could also offer reassuring capability and enhanced grip on poor roads and in varying weather conditions. Jaguar's intelligent All-Wheel Drive system continuously monitors grip levels and driver inputs and uses feed-forward torque distribution to both pre-empt and react to wheel-slip, providing greater driver confidence and vehicle stability in low-grip conditions. In normal grip conditions, the system predominantly delivers drive to the rear wheels, providing the dynamic driving experience all Jaguars are renowned for.

EXTERIOR DESIGN: BEAUTY OF PROPORTION

With a crossover being a new journey for Jaguar, Director of Design Ian Callum and his team were clear that the C-X17 would not compromise on the time-honoured values of Jaguar car design: purity of form, beauty of line and balance of proportion. Even as it subscribed to the practicalities expected of the crossover category, the C-X17 had to be stylish, sporty and exciting. It had to instantly stand out from the crowd, yet retain the sense of timeless sophistication that is typically Jaguar.

The C-X17 has dynamic yet perfectly balanced proportions, with the low profile and large wheels giving it a powerful, planted stance. In terms of form, it is sleek and fast, relying on pure lines rather than exaggeration or showmanship. The long bonnet's twin 'power bulges' and prominent grille impart a muscular look. The headlamps hint at the C-X17's sedan siblings while the grille is inspired by the XJ, resulting in a distinctive family look that is reassuringly familiar yet uniquely appealing. The grille features a hexagonal pattern, with small aluminium panels within its structure that can close to enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic properties.

The C-X17's twin 'heartlines' are clearly visible when viewed in profile. Two clean and simple design lines, with a subtle crease in the metal to catch the light, visually tie together the C-X17's shoulder and haunch. The accentuated length of the windows adds to the vehicle's overall sense of sleekness.

The rear of the vehicle has a distinctive touch of sports car about it, with the haunch, taillights and detailing all bringing to mind the seductive Jaguar

F-TYPE. The C-X17's roofline swoops quickly rearwards, culminating in a distinctive cantilevered spoiler over a steeply raked rear window that enhances the crossover's sporting, 'fast-even-at-standstill' appearance.

The exterior paint finish is a lustrous Caesium Blue, and the window liners are gloss black, with the only brightwork on the vehicle being the badging at each end, lending the car a darker, sportier look. The large 23-inch wheels, which enhance the C-X17's solid stance, are a one-off design with five split spokes. They have a Dark Atlas graphite grey finish with gloss black finishers on the spokes.

INTERIOR DESIGN: CRAFTSMANSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY

"The C-X17's design is timeless, yet absolutely up-to-the-minute. Artisan treatment meets modern techniques in an innovative cabin full of luxurious touches and cutting-edge technical ideas."

Julian Thomson, Director of Advanced Design, Jaguar

The interior of the C-X17 blends high-end interactive technology with premium, traditionally crafted materials, resulting in a spacious, airy, luxurious and sophisticated cabin.

The C-X17 seats four passengers in individual bucket seats. The seating position is relatively low for a crossover, giving the occupants a feeling of sitting deep within the cabin. The seats are lightweight units with a sculpted free-standing appearance, visually enhancing the airiness of the cabin.

The spacious boot incorporates two leisure seats that swing up and out of the boot floor for use when the car is stopped and the rear hatch opened. Solidly constructed from milled aluminium and finished in Connolly saddle leather, these seats swing outwards on a beautifully engineered hinge to provide a practical seating area when the car is stationary. Accessories that support an active lifestyle, such as a torch and a camera, are positioned in leather holsters, in storage compartments located in the boot.

Panoramic sculpted roof

The sense of openness inside the cabin is heightened by the C-X17's unique panoramic roof. The designers of the C-X17 have constructed the interior of the roof from a series of sculpted vanes running from front to rear, closely arranged in parallel and integrated into the header and cant rails. They are contoured on the lower side to generate extra headroom, and shaped to create a ring of space that enables a whole-roof view of the sky above, giving the occupants a sense of openness. The topside of the vanes follows the smooth profile of the glass roof, maintaining the sleek exterior lines of the C-X17.

Premium two-tone leather trim

The interior of the C-X17 is a juxtaposition of premium traditional materials and modern finishing techniques. Designers drew inspiration from a variety of sources, from extruded aluminium lampshades and lattice-framed stools to premium leather shoes, jackets and handbags, which favoured strong colour contrasts.

Accordingly, the seats, instrument panel, floors, doors and boot are finished in an overlapping combination of Jet saddle leather and Orchid leather panels. Renowned British leather specialist Connolly, the benchmark name in premium automotive cabin craftsmanship, created the bespoke leather panels specially for the C-X17. The 3mm-thick saddle leather, which features bands of stitching to increase the passenger's tactile experience of these surfaces, is die-cut in a Houndstooth pattern inspired by traditional tailoring materials, lending the interior of the car a classy yet contemporary feel.

The interior door finish is gloss black, while for the interior metal finishes, ruthenium (a member of the platinum family) is used instead of brightwork, creating a darker, more tonal effect that suits the subtle, premium feel of the cabin.

Multi-passenger interactivity

The C-X17 takes interactivity to a new level with the unique Interactive Surface Console that runs the length of the car's centre tunnel, from the centre console of the dashboard through to the rear seats. Made up of a series of interconnecting touch screens encased in transparent acrylic glass, the Interactive Surface Console connects those in the rear cabin with the driver and front seat passengers via a secure in-car Wi-Fi network.

The Interactive Surface Console allows the vehicle occupants to upload pictures, video and sound files from their mobile devices and share them with their fellow passengers, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels. Using the touchscreens and an intuitive user interface, information can be 'flicked' forwards and rearwards between the front and the rear passengers. By enabling sharing, both in terms of technology and information,between the occupants of the C-X17, the Interactive Surface Console puts as much focus on the rear compartment as on the front and immerses all four passengers in a unified multisensory experience.

The C-X17 features a 28-loudspeaker system specifically developed for the vehicle by British ultra-premium audio experts Meridian. Designed closely in conjunction with the development of the C-X17's interior, the system draws on Meridian's award-winning digital sound processing technology. Trifield technology creates an all-enveloping sound field that makes each listener feel that the music is exclusively focused on him or her. With sub-woofer drive units in the rear centre tunnel, dashboard-mounted tweeters, speakers in the A and B pillars, twin door speakers, rear speakers, and head-height speakers situated in the tops of the front seat head rests, this unique system enables every occupant of the C-X17 to enjoy optimum, authentic sound for an exceptional in-car audio experience.

The C-X17's instrument panel has a twin-dial configurable TFT console with provision for a Head Up Display - a system which projects vital information onto the windscreen for the driver to process quickly, akin to the systems used in modern fighter aircraft.

The gearshift has a rotary dial, finished in ruthenium, which rises on activation and serves as the interface to toggle between driving modes such as Road, Sport or All-Road. Milled aluminium vents on the console, seats and doors mirror the pattern of the grille mesh.

C-X17 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions (mm)

Length 4718

Wheelbase 2905

Height 1649

Width1959

Ground clearance 213