Jaguar to preview 2012 XK with Paris concept

ccording to a recent report, Jaguar will use the Paris Motor Show to introduce a brand new judgment that previews a 2012 XK.
This XK coupe concept is a two-seater with sculpted, classically beautiful bodywork of the style that has typically been Jaguar’s hallmark. This look is meant to celebrate Jaguar’s reputation as a maker of sports cars. The concept will go before the next phase of Jaguar’s new models, which begins in 2012 with the new XK.

This signifies the beginning of another phase of Jaguar design. About five years ago, the Ian Callum-inspired reinvention of Jaguar’s model range started with the current XK. It was followed by the XF and finally, there’s the current XJ.

The key design feature that’s expected to be revised in future models is the oval, E-type-inspired grille. In a previous interview with Autoweek, Callum said that Jaguar can’t stretch the oval grille to fit the face of bigger cars without dropping its elegant proportions. Jaguar will then be using a single grille design for its sedans and sports cars that is based on the oblong XF/XJ design.
Jaguar is currently developing the shape for future models, with the Paris concept giving us a first look at the next-generation oblong grille on a sports car. Amazingly, this concept has a hybrid powertrain. It’s expected to be based around a V6 gasoline engine, which could possibly be turbocharged and is linked to an eight-speed automatic, which Jaguar seeks to use in future models.

While details are limited, the car is expected to adopt an evolution of Jaguar’s new design language (from the XF / XJ). It will be larger than the current XK, which signals the intention to turn the 2012 model into a legitimate four-seater. More importantly, by making the car larger, they are creating room for the long-rumored XE coupe / roadster.