Jaguar confirms XE reveal for September 8

Tue, 15 Jul 2014

Jaguar has a whole raft of new products in the pipeline, from the long-awaited replacement for the XF mid-size sedan and a likely XJ-based replacement for the XK coupe and convertible to the production version of its C-X17 crossover concept. But arguably the most important will be the all-new XE, a compact sports sedan pointed squarely at the BMW 3 Series – a market segment which Jaguar last nipped at with the regrettable X-Type, one which it is now committed to tackling head on.

The British automaker has been trickling out a steady stream of details on its upcoming XE, from the initial announcement in March to the reveal of the disguised prototype in May and most recently the details released just last week of the new Ingenium engine family that will provide its motivation. Now Jaguar has confirmed the XE reveal timeframe and some more salient details of its chassis.

Set to be unveiled in London on September 8, the XE will reach European showrooms in 2015 and our shores in 2016. That's when buyers will be able to get their hands on what Jaguar is already characterizing as "a true driver's car; one that redefines the concept of the sports sedan."

In order to get there, Jaguar is giving the XE an Integral Link rear suspension made of aluminum that claims to offer "major benefits over conventional multi-link designs" by optimizing both lateral and longitudinal stiffness. The double-wishbone front suspension is adapted from the F-Type, but Jaguar has designed a new Electric Power Assisted Steering system (instead of a hydraulic one) and a new type of traction-control system it calls All Surface Progress Control.

Although enthusiasts traditionally favor hydraulic steering over the new generation of electric systems because of their superior feel, Jaguar engineer Mike Cross says that "Jaguar vehicles have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and high-quality ride.... We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals." We look forward to finding out to what extent Jaguar has succeeded, but for now you can delve onto the full details in the press release and graphic below.

WORLD PREMIERE OF ALL-NEW JAGUAR XE ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

- The all-new XE will be a Compact Sport Sedan from Jaguar
- The XE will go on sale in 2015 in Europe, and 2016 in North America
- The launch will be held in London on September 8, 2014
- Built on an all-new, aluminum-intensive architecture
- The XE features advanced suspension design which will offer thrilling performance, agile handling and precise, responsive steering, with outstanding levels of refinement

(MAHWAH, NJ) – July 14, 2014 – Jaguar will unveil the latest addition to its sports sedan car family, the Jaguar XE, at a star-studded event in London on September 8th. The event will mark the unveiling of a true driver's car; one that redefines the concept of the sports sedan.

Jaguar will bring levels of innovation with its lightweight construction expertise and sophisticated chassis technology in addition to the new family of Ingenium engines – all designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK.

Built around an all-new, aluminum-intensive architecture, the XE combines thrilling performance, agile handling and precise, responsive steering, with outstanding levels of refinement.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said, "Jaguar vehicles' have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and high-quality ride. The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years. The Integral Link rear suspension provides a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment. We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals."

Integral Link rear suspension

The Integral Link rear suspension delivers major benefits over conventional multi-link designs. By providing lateral and longitudinal stiffness, the Integral Link delivers sharp response and handling while retaining a refined, luxurious ride. Many components of the Integral Link suspension are made from forged or hollow-cast aluminum.

Front suspension

Mounted to a subframe with cast aluminum suspension towers, the double wishbone of the front suspension on the XE delivers exceptional handling and road holding. The advanced design is based on the F-TYPE sports car. This design ensures the XE enjoys a similar level of agility and 'connected' steering feel. Like the rear suspension, components are made from cast and forged aluminum.

New Electric Power Assisted Steering

Jaguar is renowned for its steering feel and this will carry on with the XE. The XE becomes the first Jaguar vehicle to be equipped with the latest generation Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). Electric Power Assisted Steering allows a much greater scope for tuning than hydraulic-based systems. Benefits include excellent steering feel, variable steering damping, ease of low-speed maneuvering and the ability to adapt to Jaguar Drive Control settings. EPAS also enables a range of Driver Aid features.

All Surface Progress Control

Even with the best traction control, rear-wheel drive cars can experience a sub-optimal start on very slippery surfaces. For that reason, Jaguar has developed All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). Developed from decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, ASPC can electronically modulate traction with greater precision than a human driver can achieve. The system works like a low-speed cruise control to improve forward progress under slippery conditions.

By Noah Joseph