Admittedly, the compact executive sedan category is one of the toughest and most competitive segments in the world, but if Cadillac can give it another try after the (Saab-based) BLS with the new ATS, then what’s stopping Jaguar from doing it as well?
The British automobile maker, which had tried to break the German hold in the segment in the previous decade with the X-Type (2001–2009), an ill-fated attempt to turn the Ford Mondeo into a BMW 3-Series rival, is indeed planning such a car, rumored to carry the XS moniker.
Our spies nabbed Jaguar engineers trying out an odd-looking prototype, which resembles a modified XF. Upon a closer look, though, you’ll discover that this is a test mule using the body of the XF to hide a new platform with much narrower tracks. Other signs that prove this are the stubbier nose, the re-positioned door handles and the different rear end.
It is believed that the platform of Jaguar’s upcoming sedan model is a derivative of the brand’s flexible Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA). Available engine choices are likely to include the XF’s 240hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 340 horsepower supercharged 3-Liter V6 gasoline units, as well as a four-cylinder turbo diesel.
As for the styling of the XS, we’ll have to wait for Jaguar to begin testing actual prototype models or preview its looks through a concept car.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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