JAGUAR R-COUPE CONCEPT
DEBUTS AT THE FRANKFURT AUTO SHOW
IRVINE, CA., September
5, 2001 - Jaguar will unveil its new R-Coupe Concept at the
Frankfurt Auto Show on September 10, 2001. The four-seater luxury
coupe is the first vehicle to explore and demonstrate the new
design philosophy at Jaguar. Faithful to core Jaguar values
from the past, the R-Coupe interprets them in modern form. The
design team responsible for creating the R-Coupe was lead by
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars Limited. According
to Callum, "the R-Coupe demonstrates that you can maintain traditional
Jaguar design values - proportions, stance and graphic cues
- and create an advanced car around them.
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view
The exterior
of the R-Coupe looks engineered, not merely styled. Its integrity comes
from strong, geometric forms such as the tubular fuselage - recalling
that of the Jaguar E-Type. While Jaguar has no plans to produce the
R-Coupe, themes and ideas embodied in its design will find their way
into our future production cars."
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view
The R-Coupe's proportions
suggest power and movement, reminiscent of classic Jaguars. One of the
key design objectives was to match the beautifully balanced proportions
of the company's earlier cars. Equally fundamental to the character
of a true Jaguar is the car's stance - the relationship between the
road, the wheels and the body. The way the R-Coupe's cabin tucks down
between the massive wheels conveys an appropriate impression of latent
power.
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view
Flowing lines over the
structured forms, together with clean and simple surfaces contribute
to the car's powerful, muscular presence. The R-Coupe's design detail
is restrained and calculated to deliver a sense of movement. The side
window trim subtly widens as it runs back, while the flowing waistline
carries the eye along the length of the car - another Jaguar hallmark
re-interpreted for the R-Coupe.
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for larger view
"The interior celebrates the warmth and richness of natural
materials, to create a bold and harmonious cabin that is both
cosy and advanced," says Julian Thomson, Chief Designer, Advanced
Studio, Jaguar Cars Limited. Modern furniture and interior design
inspired both the styling and choice of materials for the R-Coupe's
luxurious cabin. Abundant wood and leather are used in novel
ways and help create a highly tactile interior.
A broad sweep of ebony
macassar wood veneer around the cabin is offset by generous quantities
of naturally treated leather.
Soft, blonde Connolly
hide on the seats contrasts with the deep brown saddle leather
used elsewhere, including, unexpectedly, on the floor. The dashboard
re-interprets traditional shapes in a clean and modern way,
while the rich detail throughout the cabin is inspired by jewelery,
watches and luxury luggage.
"In 2001, Jaguar launched
its line of R Performance options, followed by the launch of our new
compact sports sedan, the X-TYPE. The R-Coupe is a clear signal of Jaguar's
intent to further enhance its performnce, design themes and sporting
spirit," said Mike O'Driscoll, President of Aston Martin Jaguar Land
Rover North America. "While there is no intention to bring this car
to market, the R-Coupe demonstrates Jaguar's intention to continue to
build on our sporting heritage."
Exterior features
Two-door coupe, reflecting
Jaguar's new design philosophy
'Pewter' exterior paintwork
Solid silver badges
and silver-plated details, including grill surround, side glass
trim and engraved trunk lid trim
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