The future looks bright for Jaguar and Land Rover – but what does it mean for you, the car buyer? Hot on the heels of last week’s £1billion sale to Tata, Auto Express has learned of the marques’ product plans for the next five years. The new strategy, put in place by former owner Ford, will see the Jaguar X-Type axed, a new XJ introduced and a big brother for the Land Rover Freelander launched. These moves play on both brands’ strengths and should help them diversify into new markets. As we revealed in Issue 1,001, next year Jaguar will unleash a BMW M5-rivalling XFR saloon, with a 500bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Its engine will be offered in other Jag models in normally aspirated 380bhp form. At Land Rover, 2009 will bring a revised Range Rover and Range Rover Sport complete with upgraded interiors and power from Jaguar’s new blown V8. In 2010, the big cat will launch the new luxury XJ (as we reported in Issue 987). This will take styling cues from the XF, and feature a platform developed with Land Rover and a hybrid drivetrain. The same year will mark the end for the slow-selling X-Type, while the Discovery will get a facelift and a 380bhp 5.0-litre V8. An eagerly anticipated Land Rover based on the striking LRX concept will appear in 2011. This will sit above the Freelander and also get hybrid power. Incredibly, a seven-seat version of the model is also planned for the following year. Reports say bosses are keen for the SUV to acquire the same unique image MINI’s Clubman has gained. Jaguar’s Porsche 911-rivalling sports coupé will appear in 2012. It’s not clear whether it will be based on the XF or XK, but it will be a spiritual successor to the E-Type. Also, an XF coupé is scheduled for 2013.
