X-Type Drop-top On Way

The other models in the line-up are expected to be a compact three-door coup΃© (inspired by the RD-6 concept), a four-door saloon and the F-Type. The first clues to the new models came from the firm's secretive engineering centre. One insider told us that specialists have been examining the hood designs of the Audi A4 Cabriolet and Saab 9-3 drop-top. Jaguar bosses believe these two convertibles are the best on the market in terms of insulation and slick operation. It's an exercise known as 'benchmarking' - in other words, Jag wants to be sure its folding roof matches the class leaders.

The F-Type, which was revealed to a rapturous reception at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2001 (image), will use the same underpinnings as the new X-Type, which sees the firm ditching four-wheel drive to revert to a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout. The F-Type is expected to use a similar drivetrain and suspension set-up.

Insiders say the new chassis is a modified version of the current S-Type's platform. In turn, the replacement for the S-Type, due in 2006, switches to a lightweight aluminium structure derived from the latest XJ saloon.

The F-Type was seen by many within Jaguar as an attempt to build a successor to the E-Type. An official announcement about the halting of the project was made in May 2002, but two years later, it lives again.