Fast-Autos News

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Call it a concept, but this is the new Jaguar four-seater sedan. Well, it isn't because the car is so different that it has a new name. The concept, shown at the Detroit Show is called C-XF, and maybe the car will be called the XF. Meanwhile Jaguar has announced details of the S-Type for 2008, so clearly the XF willnot replace the S-Type straight away. And no wonder.

So what's new? Just about everything, and it's all Jaguar, unlike the S-Type which shared a platform with a Lincoln, and that fixed too much of the style. Not this time. Boy is this an eye-opener, which will appeal to all those who have been longing for Jaguar to do something daring something exciting, as they did in the 1950s.

Here is a dramatic four-door sedan that looks like a supercar coupe - low and sleek with a fastback design like a hot supercar coupe such as an Aston Martin. But this is a four-door sedan.


Dramatic, exciting

Maybe the XF won't appeal to the S-Type owners who like the more staid look, but for this is a wake-up call for those who don't see Jaguar as a sporting marque.

The car is higher than it looks thanks to the high, straight-through waistline, so headroom is likely to be better than you might expect. On the other hand, luggage space is probably more for two than four people.

New nose, but the grille reflects heritage

Up at the front, the Jaguar stylists have really let rip. They have come up with a modern grille which harks back to the mesh grille of the S-Type R and Jags of the 50s, but is nevertheless modern with that mesh, badge and chrome surround. The headlamps are a distinct improvement on the XK, and there are plenty of air intakes to give the car a truly aggressive sporty look, as good as any coupe out there. But this is a four-door sedan.

The rear is really with it, too, having a diffuser to reduce lift at high speed. Together with the square exhausts, the diffuser, lip spoiler and fastback all say: 'I'm fast'. But this is a four-door sedan.

And you can bet it will be fast, as the new car will be powered by the supercharged 420 bhp engine coupled to the excellent ZF six-speed automatic with paddle control. Couple that with the stunning looks and the expected Jaguar handling and ride, and here is the potential for a world-beater, that can proudly call itself a Jaguar.

Nor is the interior pedestrian, with its deep tunnel making a real four-seater, not five, and the new concept instruments - circular dials of course - and lighting. The instrument panel is like that of a super sports car with a big rev-counter in the middle, the 190-mph speedo to one side, and the minor instruments the other. There is an engine start button on the tunnel, which is otherwise plain - must have a reverse button somewhere. All very clean and simple.

Can't wait for the launch of the production car!

Mitsubishi Evo X

Not surprisingly, Mitsubishi showed a prototype of the Evo X hot sedan at Detroit - and this wll be a stunning performer. It is based on Mitsubishi's world car concept applied to the Lancer. Sure, it is better than the old car to look at - that would not be difficult - and has an aggressive front end and the usual extras you expect on a hot sedan aimed at the rally word. But it could still do with looking more different.

Never mind the looks, this will be a sensational performer.


But we will have to wait for details as the most important things are the new aluminum engine, which is 45 lb (20 kg) lighter than the old one but designed for even higher boost! They are not saying how much power, but the Evo IX delivered 345 bhp in regular trim, and special versions were available with 400 bhp. So expect 360-400 bhp, with the possibility of getting 450 bhp or more.

The engine is coupled to either an automated manual - a sequential box operated by paddles similar to that of the BMW M5/6 except that it will have five speeds. There will also be a five-speed manual.

Mitsubishi says that five speeds are optimum for their high-boost turbo engine owing to its spread of power. Six speeds are the fashion these days - and seven and eight speed autos are produced. But for a manual or semi-automatic, five speeds are the best for plenty of cars unless you are on a race track.

Also, there is an improved version of the electronically controlled center diff, which gives the Evo IX great handling and traction. The Evo X will get special aluminum suspension links to give the stiffness and geometry required of such a hot car. Looks like Evo X will be a pretty amazing car, and I will tell you more soon.