Jaguar tried to save their prototype but in this critic’s eyes it’s still a loser.
by Wallace Wyss –
The new Jaguar, (mis) represented in a horrible TV commercial that didn’t even show a car, got a bad reception as a prototype. Everybody kept hoping that the production car would be better.
Well, sorry to disappoint you. It’s marginally better, but not enough to make it worth paying twice as much for a Jaguar.
Here’s what I still see as its flaws:
Non-chrome grille. OK I get it, it’s electric, doesn’t need a grille at all (which was what Tesla decided on their Model S eventually). But this grille looks cheap, like a mockup while the grille is still being fabricated in the shop.
Double full width tail lights in the rear. Kind of reminds you of a Dodge Charger of yesteryear. Nothing about it looks new. And the body color ribs underneath the taillights. What purpose do they have? Whatever, there’s way too many of them.
Barren interior. I know, they are trying to get us away from gadgets and buttons but this interior is prison cell bare. The front seats look comfortable though.
Door on the side. That’s probably where you plug in the electric cord for charging. But it looks like a vent that might open to give the hot air a place to release. If it had an ICE engine, it would need it. I would have disguised it as a simulated vent.
No rear window. They are still sticking with that. Well, maybe they will have cameras. But what happens if the cameras stop working? Audi has a similar design in the Nuvolari concept car, one company after another following each other off the cliff.
Those PR men and designers will have to change their names to stay in the auto industry after this car’s failure….
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
WALLACE WYSS is a longtime author on the subject of car design.
Photos compliments of Jaguar.
Well put. Not sure why anyone would buy this butt ugly car? If I owned an elegant Jag of yesteryear I’d hang on to it and drive with pride.
The wheels on the left side look like they are rotating in the right direction, whereas on the other side they look like they are going backwards. This is a particular bugbear of mine, and you see it in so many wheel designs nowadays. I guess they just don’t want to too up for different wheels for each side.
Wallace: Spot on! What happened to the company that brought us such beautiful — and high performing [when they ran – I’ve had 2] – cars? I’ve seen better Pinewood Derby designs!
As a former PR practitioner, those folks will have to change their names and redo their portfolios to get a job anywhere!
Worded perfectly, Complete design failure, so disappointing, they have lost their way, on my 6th and LAST Jaguar.
Jaguar will be out of business within the next 5 years. Its owner, Tata, owner of Land Rover, has deep pockets, but refuses to invest Jaguar into viable future.
Found this link for the rollout. The Jaguar Diamler Trust lent classic Jaguars and you can see the difference between styling and a giant big brick.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14q7pCwE5kJ/ĥ
Glenn in Brooklyn, NY.
A Dodge Magnum was their inspiration?
If they had only consulted a focus group…which they obviously did not…
A Dodge Magnum, by any other name…