Jaguar to unveil C-X17 SUV concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

September 2, 2013: Jaguar has released this teaser shot of the Crossover concept that will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show which opens next week.

Dubbed C-X17, Jaguar says the design study has been created to ‘introduce Jaguar’s new, high-advanced, modular aluminum architecture’. Autocar UK understands that the new architecture will be given its own brand name.

Jaguar is saying little about the concept ahead of it being revealed, but the company says that it is designed to illustrate "the diversity of vehicles that could be produced using this architecture, which underpins the innovative future of the Jaguar brand."

The C-X17 is also intended to underline Jaguar’s plans to eventually switch to using aluminium construction for all its models within four years. Even though the company has been using its unique bonded-and-riveted aluminum construction for the XJ since 2003, insiders say that the company has failed to make enough of its technological lead in lightweight structures.

The upcoming ‘baby’ Jaguar saloon will use this new platform, which will also be rolled out for the next-generation Jaguar XF. It is thought be flexible enough to be used on vehicles sized between 4.5 and 5m long.

The bigger version of this platform – which is both wider and capable of being stretched to at least 5.2m long – is already being used by the new Range Rover models and will be used under the next Discovery and the new-generation Jaguar XJ.

Jaguar wants to become synonymous with aluminum construction as soon as possible because Audi’s new steel and aluminium MLB platform is due to be launched next year under the new A4. The next-generation BMW 7-series is also thought to be of all-aluminium construction.

HILTON HOLLOWAY, AUTOCAR UK