[boblaw]

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ster-spy-shots

Our super sleuth spy photographer has captured the first test mules for a new roadster model from Jaguar, which many think will be called the XE (there’s a chance it may also be called the F-Type). Note that this is not an actual prototype for the car but rather just its running gear, which has been installed inside the makeshift body of the current Jaguar XK.

We can clearly see that the new XE will be significantly smaller than the XK, with the rear panels of the Jaguar flagship having been cut much shorter to wrap around the new roadster’s chassis. Interestingly, the rear track of the XE test mule looks to be wider than that of the XK, suggested by the extended wheel arches seen on this test mule.

The XE, which is only in the very early stages of development, is expected to be launched in late 2013, most likely for the 2014 model year. It is also expected to be available in both roadster and coupe bodystyles, targeting the Porsche Boxster and Cayman models primarily, although several Lotus models will also be in the XE’s crosshairs. Unsurprisingly, pricing should be similar to that of its aforementioned rivals, somewhere around the $50,000 to $60,000 mark.

Under the makeshift XK panels of this test mule is expected to be a brand new bonded and riveted aluminum platform that will eventually form the basis of the next-generation XK and XF, as well as Jaguar’s long-rumored BMW 3-Series rival. It will reportedly be a common aluminum matrix, housing the engine up front with drive sent to the rear wheels.

As for the XE’s powertrain, expect to see a gasoline V-6 used with both naturally-aspirated and supercharged versions available. Power will range from around 275 horsepower in the base model and run right up until 350 horsepower for the force-fed range-topper. Previous reports suggested that a hybrid variant may even be launched though the chances of this model are slim.

The mesh camouflage gear on the front of test mule could mean engineers are testing some form of front-mount intercooler, though it’s still too early to tell.

As always, we’ll keep you updated as fresh information breaks.

[gonzo]

Give me a few drinks and I would say it's a Vantage.

[blue2fire]

Yeah!

[Davin]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Give me a few drinks and I would say it's a Vantage.

Great way to describe it

[wisesoul]

Side proportions remind me of a Miata

[BMW269]

[BMW269]

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by Levi

Just that front end looks light years better than the F30 M-Sport

[omegaSMP300]

Originally Posted by SM335i

Just that front end looks light years better than the F30 M-Sport

That does look good and I am not a big Jag fan.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by SM335i

Just that front end looks light years better than the F30 M-Sport

agree

this is how F30 should have looked. The hood lines and shape remind me of E39.

This might be a very good competitor to German Toyota F30.

[MikeyV]

And here's the actual car.

[Year's_End]

It looks like an angry Snoopy.