In conversation with Alister Whelan- Chief Designer

Ian Callum heads the Designing department for Jaguar, however it is Alister who finalizes the design for production. What design changes are to be implemented are decided by this man, who ensured that most of the elements from the C-X16 get transferred into the final version. So, we speak to Alister Whelan and understand his thoughts on the F-TYPE Coupe that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show and Los Angeles Motor Show simultaneously.

1)The F-Type is one of the most gorgeous sports cars around, this is the production model of the C-X16 concept as it was showcased as a Coupe. What is one feature that you would have wanted to retain from the concept on the production version?

AW: We try to include most of the design aspects of the concept into the production. Mine was the sideways opening tailgate, a feature seen on the E-TYPE as well. However, this design isn’t practical for a daily usage, hence we decided to take the feature off it. The F-TYPE Convertible had two lines flowing across, but the Coupe has three, as the roofline is the third one. Here in Tokyo, we have displayed the F-TYPE R, which is the most dynamic Jaguar ever made. It produces 550PS of power, instead of 495 on the V8S. The roof-top of the R is metal, however is also the option of a glass top.

2)The C-X17 will be the Jag with grace, space and pace. What are your thoughts on this concept?

AW: The C-X17 is Jaguar’s first step towards crossover. As Ian had mentioned, the design is intriguing. The C-X17 gets all the styling cues that one will see in a Jaguar, be it the F-TYPE or the XF. We have ensured that it is undoubtedly a Jaguar from every angle and I think does have appealing exterior and interior too.

3)Jaguar has raised the levels of expectation with its designs. Do you think that the next generation of the current range will be an even more uphill task?

AW:That’s an interesting question. Yes, the bar has been raised and the expectations will be higher too. We are working as a team to fulfill the future designs. If you look at C-X17 and the F-Type, they both are different vehicles, yet they have a lot of similarities. The previous generation Jaguars had different identities, but there is a similarity between the current ones. We try not to make them all a design form the same mould and some differentiation has to be maintained.

4)One feature or design element that you will like to see in the C-X17 that should make it into production? Or will like to see it get into production?

AW: We aren’t sure if the C-X17 will make it into production. Of course, we will want to get it into production.