Despite leaving the Jaguar C-X75 mid-engine concept at the bottom of a river in a subpar James Bond movie, Jaguar still reportedly has plans to put a mid-engine supercar into production. It could replace the current F-Type and reportedly be called the J-Type.
According to Auto Express, with unclear sourcing, Jaguar wants to replace the F-Type with a hybrid mid-engine supercar utilizing some of the battery and motor technology it developed for the all-electric I-Pace. The hybrid Acura NSX is reportedly the benchmark for the new car, with dreams of it also taking on the McLaren 570S and Audi R8. From Auto Express:
The successor to the Jaguar F-Type will embrace hybrid technology and go mid-engined when it launches around 2022, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. And further down the line, Jag could launch a fully-electric version to rival the forthcoming Porsche Taycan.
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The mechanical make-up of the car is yet to be finalised, but it’s expected that at least two electric motors, one on each axle to give four-wheel drive, will supplement a mid-mounted V6 engine. If it is to be competitive, a power figure upwards of 550bhp is likely, placing it among competitors such as the McLaren 570S and Audi R8.
By “replace,” one has to assume this hybrid supercar will be a lot more expensive than the F-Type, which starts around $60,000.
The report also indicates the platform will be developed with the capability to go fully-electric as well. Since the new car would be completely different from the current F-Type, Auto Express suggests they could label it the J-Type, based on recent trademark applications.
Since the Jaguar C-X75 was only ever a concept car and prototype that came very close to production, and the then a movie villain car, this new J-Type or whatever they call it would only be Jag’s second mid-engine production car, following the sleek XJ220.
Considering all of the issues Jag had even getting that into production, let’s hope this one doesn’t also suffer from an identity crisis or end up at the bottom of a river.