Lotus and Jaguar XE - LotusTalk

Randy Chase · 02-07-2009, 09:34 AM

Autocar - Jaguar XE gets Lotus know-how

Jaguar XE gets Lotus know-how

05 February 2009
Lotus Engineering and Jaguar have been co-operating on key engineering programmes, including the new front-engined Jaguar XE roadster.

The relationship between two of Britain’s most significant automotive companies has already resulted in Lotus handling gurus helping with one of Jaguar’s recent models.

Experts at Lotus helped Jaguar set up and hone the chassis of the limited-run Jaguar XKR-S coupe, work that also helped Jaguar decide the chassis settings of the new 503bhp XKR.

Another on-going project relates to advanced engineering feasibility work for the new Jaguar XE sports car, mooted for a 2011 Geneva launch but yet to be committed to production.

Lotus is working through the detailed numbers to see if the front-engined two-seater can be a production reality. “They’re sending data to Lotus Engineering on Jaguar’s behalf,” said a well-placed source.

Key details under the Lotus microscope are the basic economies of putting the Jaguar XE into production with an aluminium chassis, after ruling out a steel structure based on the XF.

Lotus pioneered aluminium sports car technology with the Elise, knowledge that it subsequently deployed on the Aston Martin Vanquish, which it engineered for Ford.

Jaguar has two potential aluminium technologies for the XE: the extrusions/castings structure of the XK and the riveted monocoque of the current Jaguar XJ.

Lotus is also a front-runner if Jaguar looks to outsource production of the XE. Lotus has plenty of spare production capacity at Hethel.

Although there’s no indication that will happen, Jaguar did look at outsourcing production of the aborted alloy-bodied, mid-engined F-type.

It was seen as a necessary step to get production costs down, a problem that Jaguar now faces again with the XE.

wallabyguy · 02-07-2009, 10:11 AM

I love the direction that Jaguar is headed. They have a fantastic product now and the upcoming models build on that. I'll be very interested in seeing how the XE turns out. It could be the model Jaguar has needed to get the respect it deserves.

Bavarian Motorist · 02-07-2009, 11:12 AM

XE Roadster...I haven't heard of this project.

melloyjaguar · 02-07-2009, 11:16 AM

It's one of the new things in the works since Tata bought the company. I think it's a good thing for the brand.

MickOpalak · 02-07-2009, 12:54 PM

Lotus builds the next Jaguar roadster =

JoshS · 02-07-2009, 02:42 PM

Lotuar or Jagus?

Vishus_1 · 02-08-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

Lotus Engineering and Jaguar have been co-operating on key engineering programmes, including the new front-engined Jaguar XE roadster.

Front-engined? I am not aware of any rear/mid engined Jaguars - why would whoever wrote this specify it is front-engined?

fitfan · 02-08-2009, 09:27 AM

i am thinking of getting a pre-owned XF as a daily driver.. didn't like them at first, but growing on me. in certain colors i think they look very good.

...m... · 02-08-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

Front-engined? I am not aware of any rear/mid engined Jaguars - why would whoever wrote this specify it is front-engined?

...jaguar's done a few mid-engined racecars and supercars...

XJR Racecars
XJR-15 Supercar
XJ-220 Supercar

Vishus_1 · 02-08-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...jaguar's done a few mid-engined racecars and supercars...

XJR Racecars
XJR-15 Supercar
XJ-220 Supercar

Correct

- what I should have said is "I am not aware of any current rear/mid engined Jaguars"

MickOpalak · 02-08-2009, 03:45 PM

...m... · 02-08-2009, 04:03 PM

...that looks an awful lot like the XJ13, but it's not - what is it?..

edit:
...or maybe - it's been restored?..whatever it is, it's drop-dead gorgeous, regardless...

wantanelise · 02-11-2009, 08:30 AM

A SMALLER Jag sports car, lotus sized or a bit bigger....... WANT!!!!!!!

How awesome would a new XK be if it was the size of an Exige? I think alot of us here value small size and fun over just performance.

JWA · 02-11-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

Front-engined? I am not aware of any rear/mid engined Jaguars - why would whoever wrote this specify it is front-engined?

Other articles are reporting rumors that they are also helping Jag design a mid-engined supercar, and the older f-type concept that would have been in the same position in the lineup as this new XE was mid-engined. Thus, the emphasis.

02-07-2009, 09:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,172 Images: 761	Lotus and Jaguar XE Autocar - Jaguar XE gets Lotus know-how Jaguar XE gets Lotus know-how 05 February 2009 Lotus Engineering and Jaguar have been co-operating on key engineering programmes, including the new front-engined Jaguar XE roadster. The relationship between two of Britain’s most significant automotive companies has already resulted in Lotus handling gurus helping with one of Jaguar’s recent models. Experts at Lotus helped Jaguar set up and hone the chassis of the limited-run Jaguar XKR-S coupe, work that also helped Jaguar decide the chassis settings of the new 503bhp XKR. Another on-going project relates to advanced engineering feasibility work for the new Jaguar XE sports car, mooted for a 2011 Geneva launch but yet to be committed to production. Lotus is working through the detailed numbers to see if the front-engined two-seater can be a production reality. “They’re sending data to Lotus Engineering on Jaguar’s behalf,” said a well-placed source. Key details under the Lotus microscope are the basic economies of putting the Jaguar XE into production with an aluminium chassis, after ruling out a steel structure based on the XF. Lotus pioneered aluminium sports car technology with the Elise, knowledge that it subsequently deployed on the Aston Martin Vanquish, which it engineered for Ford. Jaguar has two potential aluminium technologies for the XE: the extrusions/castings structure of the XK and the riveted monocoque of the current Jaguar XJ. Lotus is also a front-runner if Jaguar looks to outsource production of the XE. Lotus has plenty of spare production capacity at Hethel. Although there’s no indication that will happen, Jaguar did look at outsourcing production of the aborted alloy-bodied, mid-engined F-type. It was seen as a necessary step to get production costs down, a problem that Jaguar now faces again with the XE. __________________ [b]* V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S [/b] We have been feeling the buzz since 2002 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. [color=orange]Monaco Orange. [/color]Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). [color=orange]Chrome Orange. [/color] Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. [color=blue]“Busy at times off the forum and scary* actually off the Internets. So I may not see your pm or emails for a while"[/color]

02-07-2009, 10:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
wallabyguy Not Dead Yet Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,876	I love the direction that Jaguar is headed. They have a fantastic product now and the upcoming models build on that. I'll be very interested in seeing how the XE turns out. It could be the model Jaguar has needed to get the respect it deserves. __________________ former Lotus Sales Robert (aka Sith Lord of LBL) 74 Elite 502 05 Elise (Snuffalupagous..RIP : Laser Blue, Black Leather, Touring Pack, Hardtop ) The Wallaby Will Ride Again

02-07-2009, 11:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bavarian Motorist Live to Drive Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC/Westchester, NY Posts: 10,850	XE Roadster...I haven't heard of this project. __________________ Be an alpha male. Drive a Lotus.

02-07-2009, 11:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
melloyjaguar NM Lotus Princess Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 116	It's one of the new things in the works since Tata bought the company. I think it's a good thing for the brand. __________________ Kimberly Shay Lotus Sales Consultant

02-07-2009, 12:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
MickOpalak Prez: The K.G.B. Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 5,302	Lotus builds the next Jaguar roadster = __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter 2002 Jaguar XKR convertible 2000 BMW 528i President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

02-07-2009, 02:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
JoshS Come on down Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 1,962	Lotuar or Jagus? __________________ '06 Elise Phantom Black, Touring, Starshield, Powder Coated Black Wheels, Bobble head IMUS

02-08-2009, 09:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
fitfan Regurgitated User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego! Posts: 4,083	i am thinking of getting a pre-owned XF as a daily driver.. didn't like them at first, but growing on me. in certain colors i think they look very good. __________________ Driving it around!

02-08-2009, 03:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
MickOpalak Prez: The K.G.B. Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 5,302	Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter 2002 Jaguar XKR convertible 2000 BMW 528i President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

02-08-2009, 04:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,714	...that looks an awful lot like the XJ13, but it's not - what is it?.. edit: ...or maybe - it's been restored?..whatever it is, it's drop-dead gorgeous, regardless... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service... Last edited by ...m... : 02-08-2009 at 04:10 PM.

02-11-2009, 08:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
wantanelise Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: upstate NY Posts: 1,294	A SMALLER Jag sports car, lotus sized or a bit bigger....... WANT!!!!!!! How awesome would a new XK be if it was the size of an Exige? I think alot of us here value small size and fun over just performance.

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