Jaguar J-Pace flagship crossover spied

Test mule of a Jaguar Crossover has been spotted with partial camouflage, on the back of a tow truck. Though the crossover might appear to be an F-pace at first, this prototype is a lot longer in comparison. As a result, speculations now suggest that this upcoming product would be the flagship crossover from Jaguar, based on its flagship sedan, the XJ. And since the F-Pace draws its name from its design inspiration sibling, the F-type, the XJ-based crossover might be named as the J-Pace.

The early prototype uses makeshift body panels from the F-type, but the longer wheelbase and the long front overhang indicate that Jaguar is testing a bigger crossover under the body shell of the F-pace. The biggest noticeable difference is the rear door shut line, which curves above the rear wheel arch on the F-pace. But here on the prototype, this rear door shut line is placed well forward of the wheel arch. Moreover, a large front overhang and a smaller rear overhang point to a larger platform being used under the F-Pace's body.

Regarding the platform being used on the J-Pace, there are three assumptions that can be true. First, Jaguar might simply stretch the F-Pace's platform to accommodate a longer wheelbase. Second, the J-Pace might borrow its chassis from a Land Rover, especially the Range Rover platform. And lastly, Jaguar might implement the XJ's platform on the J-Pace.

Regarding the powertrain options, a quick search on the British Ministry of Transport's website suggests that the J-Pace test mule's number plate matches with a car that uses a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, coupled to an electric motor. This diesel hybrid powertrain would put the J-Pace in direct competition to a similar setup in the Volvo XC90.

Since the Jaguar J-Pace crossover is still in the earlier phases of development, it won't make it to production before 2019.

Source: AutoBlog