A famous Big Cat is...

A famous Big Cat is about to roar into view again. This silver dream

machine is the all-new C-Type тЂ“ and itтЂ™s set to turn the spotlight on

Jaguar.

We previously revealed the Coventry firmтЂ™s plans for

an exciting new roadster. Now, Auto Express has learned Jaguar is

planning to take the stunning sports car further upmarket.

Sitting

below the XK, the C-Type line-up will cost between ТЈ45,000-ТЈ50,000,

targeting top-end performance cars such as AudiтЂ™s TT RS, the Mercedes

SLK 55 AMG and PorscheтЂ™s Cayman with a blend of pace, luxury and

practicality.

Following the radical but well received XF and

XJ, the newcomer is another exciting departure for the brand. It is

likely to be available as a fixed-head coupé or, as shown by our

illustrations, a roadster.

As you can see from our images, the

C-Type will be a forward-looking design with an XJ-style grille and

distinctive headlight arrangement.

With a lots of chrome mesh,

sporty air intakes and a bold bonnet bulge, it has plenty of road

presence. That continues in the sculpted edges along the flanks, vast

chrome alloys and pert but muscular tail complete with twin exhaust

pipes. An electrically operated folding canvas roof, to be stowed

behind the occupantsтЂ™ heads, completes the look.

The C-Type

will be also be practical. Similar in size to AudiтЂ™s A5, it will have a

useful boot and while our images show only two seats, the finished

article is likely to have four.

As with the XK, the new

C-TypeтЂ™s chassis will be an aluminium monocoque with extruded body

panels, an arrangement that is lightweight but highly strong and stiff,

benefitting handling response and also refinement.

Power will

come from JaguarтЂ™s latest 5.0-litre V8, producing 380bhp. ThereтЂ™s also

the possibility of a twin-turbo diesel and even an R version powered by

the companyтЂ™s supercharged 500bhp V8.

All models will get

JaguarтЂ™s super-slick six-speed automatic transmission, complete with

paddle shifters. Expect the C-Type to arrive in concept form in 2011,

with the production version following a year later.

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