Tata Green-Lights New Jaguar and Land Rover Models

The ink might not be completely dry yet, but Tata's takeover of Jaguar

and

Land Rover has resulted in some preemptive planning on expanding

the product lineup of both brands.

With

the removal of the compact X-Type, Jaguar's lineup will be reduced to

three cars for model-year 2009. In its place, the British built brand will receive an all-new model. And it's a car that many, including those within Jaguar, have

been hoping would get green lighted for quite some time, an entry level sports car. The

so-called “F-Type” has finally been given the go-ahead, and would undercut the

XK grand tourer in size and price. Expect it to start in the $55 - 60k

range, which would undercut the flagship sports car by a fairly large

margin. The car will be based on a current Jaguar product, and is

likely to use the XF's steel platform, though the aluminum intensive XK

or XJ may get the nod. Expect to see it by 2012.

Land

Rover will also get a brand new Range Rover, expected to arrive in

2012, as well as a new entry level model that will slot in below the

baby LR2. The concept LRX has not only been given the green light for

production, but Tata will also invest in the plant that it is scheduled

to be assembled in. The Halewood plant, which used to produce the

X-Type will grow thanks to investment from Tata, and will be

capable of producing up to 210,000 units by 2012, although the LRX is

expected to make it to market before 2011. Much work will be done to

make the production model as close as possible to the concept.