Jaguar debuts new concept car at the Frankfurt show

Jaguar is to reveal its future design philosophy at next week's Frankfurt motor show in the form of the four-seater R-Coupe (pictured).

"We challenged our designers to show how the Jaguar 'look' could advance in the years ahead, to reflect the company's transformation from niche manufacturer to major player in the premium car sector," said Jonathan Browning, Jaguar's managing director.

"This represents a long-term vision though, rather than anything that we will see tomorrow. The R-Coupe provides an insight into Jaguar's long term future design philosophy, reaffirming our commitment to create cars that stir people's emotions."

The look of Jaguars from the 1950s and 1960s inspired the look of the R-Coupe, with characteristic Jaguar design cues, such as the front grille.

Ian Callum, Jaguar's design director, said: "The R-Coupe is not intended for production, but it embodies themes and ideas that may find their way into future Jaguars. The concept is not based on any current or proposed Jaguar chassis, though it is constructed around a realistic four-seater package and a V8 powertrain. Further examples of advanced technology incorporated into the car's design include F1-style 'paddle shift' gear-changing, headlight beams that follow steering direction, electronic door releases and a futuristic, voice-controlled telematics system.”

The R-Coupe is the first complete vehicle developed since Mr Callum was appointed as Jaguar's new design director in 1999. One of his earliest moves was to introduce a 15-strong Advanced Design studio which has taken the lead role in bringing the R-Coupe to life.

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