What Matters in Jaguar Design

In September 2011, Jaguar unveiled the hybrid sports car "CX16 Concept" at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The design was led by Ian Callum, the Design Director responsible for the current XK, XF, and XJ models.

Then, in early April of this year, the "F-TYPE Concept," a production-ready version, was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. Approximately two weeks later, at Auto China 2012 in Beijing, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Ian Callum about the "F-TYPE Concept."

──Congratulations on the "F-TYPE Concept" debut. There was a sports car concept named "F-TYPE" several years ago, but that project was canceled, and you were reportedly very disappointed then?

Thank you. I am very happy that the F-TYPE can see the light of day. The old F-TYPE was over 10 years ago. That was a mid-engined car with a V8. In that sense, it's completely different from this one. That was the starting point, but the new model was built with a V6 engine placed at the front.

Of course, the architecture is also new. While some parts are borrowed from the XK, it's mostly a new design. Car regulations and environmental concerns have changed, so we couldn't simply use the old design. Furthermore, the engines have improved, and importantly, my team's capabilities have grown. That makes me very happy.


──How does the F-TYPE's design blend tradition and trends?

In the 1950s and 60s, the values were very simple: "beauty," "performance," and "driving" were the requirements for a sports car. Specifically, this meant "two-seater," "front-engine," and "aerodynamics." However, today, awareness of safety and environmental issues is much higher, and there are various conditions that didn't exist back then. These are the values of today, and they must not be disregarded.

Considering this, simply preserving the past isn't always the best approach. Rather, the XJ, released in 1968, had a radical and modern design for its time. That sense of excitement is crucial for Jaguar.

──And the resulting "F-TYPE Concept" – what was the reaction like?

It exceeded expectations. It was incredible. It was the same with the CX16, but the F-TYPE was even more so.

──Now that you've presented the F-TYPE Concept, what are your thoughts on the overall automotive design trends?

I see a return of the coupe. Manufacturers are offering not only two-door coupes but also four-door coupes. Perhaps this signifies a crossover in design. Designs have become more complex. Advances in production technology have made such designs possible.

──Finally, are there any other manufacturers whose designs currently capture your interest?

Yes, I think Volkswagen is doing a superb job. I have great respect for Walter de Silva, who oversees their design. I like both the Scirocco and the Golf. As for Japanese manufacturers... I hope Honda will step up. They used to have aggressive designs, but now they seem rather conservative.

──I'll be sure to pass that along to Honda if the opportunity arises. Thank you for your time today.