New C-X17 showcases Jaguar's crossover concept

The C-X17 offers refined driving dynamics and sedan car-like handling across urban and country roads, thanks to its low height, optimized centre of gravity and use of cutting-edge dynamic technologies. The C-X17 places a high emphasis on intelligent safety with Torque Vectoring by Braking, in which the car intelligently uses its brake system to finely balance the distribution of engine torque to individual wheels during cornering, thereby enhancing vehicle stability and control by reducing understeer and maximizing grip. C-X17 also debuts additional innovative safety features including Rear Exit Detection, developed with the China market in mind, which uses sensors to warn exiting passengers of quickly-approaching hazards, such as cyclists and mopeds, in the path of the vehicle's opening doors.

The new Jaguar C-X17 is pictured in Guangzhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"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," said Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum.

At 4,718mm long and 1,649mm tall, the C-X17's 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 at 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 fog lights set into the large front intakes add to the C-X17's purposeful intent. The latest C-X17's exterior is painted in a lustrous Liquid Gold liquid metal finish, with gloss black elements surrounding the windows, while the split-five-spoke alloys have a dark ruthenium finish.

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 UK engine production facility, currently under construction as part of a £500 million ($811 million) investment, which will be operational from 2015. These vehicles are also designed to be powered by the potent 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.

The side vent of the new Jaguar C-X17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]