Thread: Why Jaguar Thinks the F-Type Will Succeed

An excerpt from an interview with Jaguar vehicle line director Ian Hoban

Leadership through product is a formula for success in the auto industry. One method is to become the very best in a particular segment, the other is to be the very first. A car that creates a new segment immediately becomes its benchmark.

Jaguar did so in the past and is looking to repeat that success indicates Ian Hoban, vehicle line director for all models built by the British luxury automaker, including the new F-Type. During a sit down interview at the Paris Motor Show a day after the car’s world premiere, Hoban is repeating comments from the rest of the Jaguar team, trying not to draw a parallel too close to the brand’s iconic sports car, the E-Type.

And yet there is one trait both cars share says Hoban, describing both models as “white space cars,” filling a void where no other car existed.

“If you look at the sports car segment there are generally two categories,” he says. “There are full size sports cars like the 911 and R8 and then there are compact sports car like the SLK, Boxster and Z4.”

The F-Type, on the other hand “delivers the performance of a full size sports car but in a package that’s smaller.”

Price is also an important factor, with the F-Type starting at $69,000. Amongst other qualities, “That’s what made the E-Type successful,” says Hoban. “It offered the performance of the Ferrari at a very compelling price.”

Read the complete interview regarding the Jaguar F-Type at AutoGuide.com

At 70k I can't see myself picking this over the ZL1, GT500 or used GTR.

I could see myself giving one some serious thought. White would look nice.

Originally Posted by VR1

At 70k I can't see myself picking this over the ZL1, GT500 or used GTR.

I feel like that is an apples to oranges comparison for car segments.

Originally Posted by David@MR

I could see myself giving one some serious thought. White would look nice.



I feel like that is an apples to oranges comparison for car segments.

True, I understand that this is meant to compete with the Boxster, Z4 etc.. But with a base price of 70k, IMO that seems pretty high for what it is, especially when you can move into a full sized sports car for not that much more. Maybe I just don't understand the point of the F type.

i want jaguar to thrive as an automaker, however, this car will be somewhat of a bust at $70k. If it was in the $45k $55k range, I could seeing it be a hit.

Originally Posted by VR1

At 70k I can't see myself picking this over the ZL1, GT500 or used GTR.

It's still a Jag. People would buy this for the same reason they would buy a 911TT and not a GTR. Similar performance but one is a Porsche and the other is still a Nissan. Craftsmanship, luxury, and quality of materials used aren't going to be matched in a Chevy, Ford or Nissan. BUT! Ford, Chevy, Nissan have made amazing cars and are getting up to par as far as their quality goes. The gap isn't that huge anymore.

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

It's still a Jag. People would buy this for the same reason they would buy a 911TT and not a GTR. Similar performance but one is a Porsche and the other is still a Nissan. Craftsmanship, luxury, and quality of materials used aren't going to be matched in a Chevy, Ford or Nissan. BUT! Ford, Chevy, Nissan have made amazing cars and are getting up to par as far as their quality goes. The gap isn't that huge anymore.

True. But a 911TT is close to the GTR performance wise, but the Jag most definately is not. To me it just looks like a nicer looking Z4 with a better interior for 15k more. But then again I am most likely not the target audience for this car.

I think the pricing is right on IMO. Its modern with a light exotic look (thinking the Rarri Cali). Think this one is going to be bringing in the bacon for Jag for awhile.

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