LA Auto Show: Jaguar C-X17 Concept Makes its American Debut

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Following its well-received introduction at the Frankfurt and Dubai Auto Shows, the bold Jaguar C-X17 Concept crossover is set to make its American debut at this week’s 2013 LA Auto Show. Arriving in an already crowded and highly competitive segment, the C-X17 will need to bring significant luxury, performance, and fuel economy to the table to win over American hearts.

Though little is currently known about the C-X17, it’s almost certain that the C-X17 concept will share a platform with the current Range Rover Evoque. Jaguar is also likely to borrow powertrains from the Range Rover lineup, with the Evoque’s 2.0-liter turbo-four as the possible base engine and the Range Rover Sport’s supercharged V6 as the premium choice. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission in the newest Land Rover products may make its way onto the crossover, but it is confirmed that Jaguar’s signature rotary gearshift knob will appear on the production variants of the C-X17.

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Design on the C-X17 is modern, elegant, and very chiseled. Hints of the XJ/XF come through with the LED-laced headlights, and the rear simply screams F-type. Interior design, though currently in concept form, is simultaneously futuristic and sporty–deep, heavily-bolstered front seats hint at the spirited Jaguar driving experience, while materials such as ruthenium in the interior and exterior trim provide an upscale, cutting-edge feel altogether. When production begins, however, expect more traditional materials, such as leather, wood, and brushed aluminum trim, to grace the interior.

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Even from its pre-production specs, it’s clear that the C-X17 Concept points to a seriously impressive Jaguar crossover coming into production in the near future. Its styling cues certainly outduel offerings such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK, and Jaguar’s reputation for building precision-handling, insanely fun-to-drive vehicles is sure to shine through on the production model C-X17. Stay tuned on TFLcar.com during this week’s 2013 LA Auto Show and during the next few months for any developments on C-X17 production.

Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the C-X17’s platform-mate, the Range Rover Evoque.