Jaguar R-Coupe Concept: merging of classic values with new design philosophy

It was during the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show that Jaguar Cars Ltd. launched its latest four-seater R-Coupe Concept. It was the first model to establish Jaguar’s new design philosophy by interpreting the company’s core values since its foundation into a modern form.

Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum led the production team that designed the R-Coupe. According to Callum, the R-Coupe is proof that Jaguar’s traditional design values— from stance to graphic cues— can be integrated in producing new and innovative vehicles. He said that the R-Coupe is more likely engineered than styled. Furthermore, the car has strong, geometric forms such as the tubular fuselage of the Jaguar E-Type.

Callum can be quoted with his most noteworthy statement, sharing that there are no production plans for the R-Coupe but that its “themes and ideas” in its design will soon appear in its future models. The proportions of the car indicate power and movement, just like any other classic Jaguars.

The production team made sure that the R-Coupe is proportional to Jaguar’s earlier models. Its stance embodied the fundamental characteristics of a Jaguar classic— from the body to the wheels. The way its cabin tucks down between the wheels bears an underlying supremacy.

Moreover, the R-Coupe’s overall muscular appeal is backed by its structured forms and clean surfaces. As it runs back, the side window trim delicately widens and the flowing waistline conveys the eye along its length— a true Jaguar at its core evidently.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

 R-Coupe is a two-door coupe, which was created to reflect the company’s new design philosophy, and its pewter paintwork. Its doors adapted an electronic release system. In addition, its bodywork had badges and details made out of solid silver, grill surround, engraved trunk lid trim, and side glass trim.

The R-Coupe was designed with 10-spoke alloy wheels (285/30/R21). In addition, it comes with low profile Continental tires and ventilated, cross-drilled brake discs with the classic Jaguar Cat Claw tread pattern and design.

The production team also incorporated aluminum monobloc four-piston calipers. Moreover, its front lighting system has four pencil-beam xenon headlights while its outboard main beams had two-axis pivoting to follow steering. The lower front intake blades have been incorporated with LED front fog lights.

 R-Coupe also has LED front indicators, which showed a neutral appearance when not in use. Likewise, its rear lamp clusters, which were designed with a cat’s ear rear wing lens, has a LED and halogen progressive brake light system.

Both the adaptive lighting system at the front and rear had brushed aluminum precision housings. The 193.80-inch long, 74.40-inch wide, and 53-inch high R-Coupe was fitted with quadruple tail pipes in machined aluminum and with dual silver-plated fuel filler caps, each of which has twin hatch doors.

INTERIOR DESIGN

According to Jaguar’s Advanced Studio Chief Designer Julian Thomson, the interior of the R-Coupe demonstrates the warmth of natural materials, boasting a bold and pleasant cabin that provides a rich driving experience. Using wood and leather materials, the elegant interior styling represents an exciting blend of modernity and luxury. The cabin is made up of ebony macassar wood veneer complemented by naturally processed leather.

The sports steering wheel is built with three-spoke leather and anodized aluminum. The R-Coupe has a column-mounted F1-style gear change with silver-plated paddles. Moreover, it features black dials and silver graphics with amber illumination. Deep brown/conker saddle leather cover the seats made up of blonde Connolly, door trims, and the floor. The dashboard, which had full-width air vents, exhibited traditional shapes with a little touch of modernity.

The details of the cabin are highly inspired by luxurious items such as watches, jewelry pieces, and luggage. The interactive LCD screen, which comes with voice activation features, serves as the control management center. It is meant for ICE control access, climate control, navigation, TV, internet, and telephone purposes.

The interior isn’t complete without the integrated flask and cigarette lighter as well. Aside from this, the R-Coupe has a handy three-quarter wide glove compartment and ambient footwell lighting.

Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America President Mike O’Driscoll believes that the R-Coupe is Jaguar’s way of expressing its utmost desire to further innovate designs along with high quality, top of the line performance without compromising the real essence of a traditional model. Even though the R-Coupe was not made to roll out in the market, it was a clear indication of the company’s efforts to sustain its legacy in the motorsports landscape.