New C-X17 showcases Jaguar's crossover concept

All-new aluminum architecture: underpinning the future

Jaguar's advanced aluminum architecture is a completely new philosophy that underpins the innovative future of the brand. It will enable Jaguar to significantly grow its product portfolio, targeting high-growth areas of the premium market in global markets. The first Jaguar to be delivered from the new architecture will be a new mid-size (C/D) segment premium sedan, which will be rolled-out globally from 2015. The first aluminum monocoque product in its segment, the new sedan will be produced at an all-new, ultra high-tech production facility in Solihull, creating new jobs and substantial opportunities for the supplier base.

The head lights of the new Jaguar C-X17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The aluminium-intensive architecture will be modular and scalable, providing a high degree of flexibility and making it possible to produce a wider bandwidth of models and derivatives than ever before. It is lightweight, extremely stiff and incorporates innovative technologies that emphasise Jaguar's commitment to sustainability, such as a new high-strength alloy made from almost 100 percent recycled raw material. The architecture is being carefully developed to fully incorporate all the vehicle attributes established by Jaguar engineers. All products will perform like true Jaguars, the flexibility and scope of the architecture guaranteeing the individual character of each one.

Interior design: craftsmanship and technology

"The C-X17's design is timeless, yet absolutely up-to-the-minute. Artisan treatment meets modern techniques in an innovative cabin full of luxurious touches and cutting-edge technical ideas," said Julian Thomson, Jaguar's director of advanced design.

The interior of the latest C-X17 blends high-end interactive technology with a modern take on traditionally crafted materials of the highest quality, resulting in an especially luxurious and sophisticated cabin. Jaguar Land Rover designers developed the revised interior especially for China. The C-X17 seats five passengers in plush, spacious comfort, with the second row of seats that accommodates three people. The seats are lightweight units with a sculpted free-standing appearance, visually enhancing the airiness of the cabin, with headrests that are adorned with perforated C-X17 lettering.

The spacious boot, which is lined with waxed Clay Walnut wood, incorporates two leisure seats that swing up and out of the boot floor for use when the car is stopped and the rear hatch opened. Solidly constructed from milled aluminum and finished in Tan leather, these seats swing outwards on beautifully engineered hinges to provide a practical seating area when the car is stationary. Accessories that support an active lifestyle, such as a torch and a camera, are positioned in leather holsters in storage compartments located in the boot.

The spacious interior of the five-seater C-X17 is luxuriously appointed, yet designed for a sculpted, lightweight appearance. The unique roof features contoured vanes that provide a distinctive ‘elliptical’ panoramic view for the C-X17's five passengers, while retaining the roof's sleek appearance from the exterior. Two additional rear-mounted leisure seats incorporated into the wood-lined boot floor swing out for recreational use. Accessories that support an active lifestyle, such as a torch and a camera, are positioned in storage compartments in the boot.

The interior of the new Jaguar C-X17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]