Jaguar F-Type concept secures major motoring award
THE concept car that proved the inspiration for Jaguar’s new F-Type sports car has won a major automotive award.
The C-X16 has been named Design Concept Car of the Year at the 2012 Scottish Car of the Year Awards.
Unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September 2011, the C-X16 two-seater concept paved the way for the production new convertible sports car, which is being manufactured in Castle Bromwich.
Announcing the C-X16’s victory, John Murdoch, president of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “This new category for 2012 recognises that some of the most distinctive new models to hit the road take their origins from motor show concept cars.
“Many of these show stunners don’t see the light of day but they are valuable for gauging public reaction to new ideas. However, our winner has received such global praise that it has paved the way for a production version, which was unveiled only a couple of weeks ago in Paris.”
The award was presented to Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design, who said: “It is great to be recognised for creativity, as well as for excellent, driveable cars. With the C-X16 concept, we set out to move Jaguar’s award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”
The design parallels between C-X16 and F-Type are clear, with both cars featuring a new interpretation of the bold, angular Jaguar grille, with a signature ‘power bulge’ in the bonnet, as well as a muscular rear end and low tail.
The F-Type, which enjoyed critical acclaim on its public debut at last month’s Paris Motor Show, will go on sale in the UK around the middle of next year, priced from £58,500. The all-aluminium two-seater convertible is powered by Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS and 380PS outputs, and by the firm’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol powerplant producing 495PS.
The award comes 12 months after the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers named the Jaguar E-Type as the “most iconic car of the last 50 years”.
