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January 26, 2015
Ian Callum on the Jaguar F-TYPE | Jaguar
Jaguar
Jaguar Designer Ian Callum on the F-TYPE
The talk of a successor to Jaguar's E-TYPE sports car dates back to 1998, with the appearance of the XK180 at the Paris Salon. In 2000, the F-TYPE Concept, a further evolution of the XK180, was unveiled. At the time, Jaguar, then under Ford's umbrella and expanding its model range including the revival of popular classic models, created the F-TYPE Concept from scratch as Jaguar's most compact sports car, drawing considerable attention. The F-TYPE project was later shelved. After the concept model CX-16 in 2010, the production F-TYPE finally debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2012. Ian Callum, who had been the styling director since the F-TYPE Concept era in 2000, was interviewed in Paris by Tatsuya Kushima.
Text by KUSHIMA Tatsuya
The F-TYPE: A Pure Sports Car
The "F-TYPE" once raised its banner. But the mid-engined sports car remained a mere phantom. More than a decade later, the "F-TYPE" has finally arrived. This issueParis Motor Showrevealed its full form at the Paris Motor Show. We spoke with Ian Callum, a designer renowned among sports car enthusiasts, at the show.F-TYPEabout the
—Could you tell us about the packaging?
This car was designed with the V8 engine in mind. That is to say, the car's dimensions, particularly its width, were determined accordingly. If the engine were to be downsized to an inline-four in the future, the width would remain the same, but the length could be reduced.
—Why is it front-engine, rear-wheel drive?
We previously presented the "F-TYPE Concept" as a mid-engined car. However, the chassis team was opposed to it. Therefore, this front-engine, rear-wheel-drive packaging has been adopted. I believe sports cars are either mid-engined or front-engine, rear-wheel drive.
—What are the interior features?
The primary principle for the interior is simplicity. That's what a sports car should be. And it's important that the driver's and passenger's seats feel distinct.
As you'll see when you look at the actual car, we've added a grip on the passenger side of the center console. This allows the driver to feel a sense of personal space. The mechanical design of the switches is for the same reason – to embody the essence of a sports car.
—What's the difference compared to the "XK" series?
The "XK" is what you'd call a GT car. This is evident in its 2+2 seating layout and the resulting dimensions. However, the "F-TYPE" is a pure sports car. Once you sit in the driver's seat, you'll understand, but it's tighter than the "XK," offering a greater sense of oneness with the car. We've also changed the seating position compared to the "XK."
—There are "F-TYPEs" in various body colors here. When designing, did you have a specific color in mind?
I designed the "F-TYPE" with red in mind. Red was removed from the "XK" color palette because it didn't sell well, but it's making a comeback with the "F-TYPE."
We also created wheels to complement that red. Of course, there are several types, but since dark tones are currently popular, we've combined them with a carbon-fiber look.
The interior features charcoal leather with red stitching matching the body color. It's a coordination I'm quite fond of.
The "F-TYPE" concept car, the "CX-16," was displayed in gray at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show and in white at the subsequent Los Angeles Auto Show. I believe this allows for a wide range of imaginative possibilities.
Personally, I also like the black body color with a red interior. The red that emerges from the waistline looks incredibly cool.
—Are you already thinking about the next "XK"?
The next one will naturally be significantly different. We consider what this model should be and how to make it even better. I can't say more yet, but please look forward to it.
—Are there any designers at other manufacturers that you find interesting?
The head of design for the VW Group,Walter de Silva,and Peter Schreyer at KIA. Peter Schreyer is a good guy and a good designer. I look forward to his future work...