Jaguar North America unveiled a dramatic �Racing Concept� version of its all-wheel-drive X-TYPE at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) annual trade show. The bold, race-inspired concept was developed to test the potential of Jaguar�s X-TYPE sports sedan as a �project car� for the enthusiast market, as well as continuing to explore options for Jaguar racing in North America.
"The X-TYPE Racing Concept sends a clear message to enthusiasts that motorsport is a vital, and integral part of our DNA," said George Ayres, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar North America. "Since its introduction a year ago, we knew the X-TYPE would provide the perfect platform from which to style a visually-dramatic race-bred concept," added Ayres.
With design inspiration taken from Trans-Am and the European DTM race series, the X-TYPE Racing Concept was built by Rocketsports Racing at its Lansing, Michigan shop using a 3.0-liter V6 all-wheel drive Jaguar X-TYPE as a donor vehicle.
Among the features of the X-TYPE Racing Concept:
- Aggressive, race-inspired �wide body� styling
- Full width, race-inspired rear wing
- Three-piece, center-lock 18-inch BBS racing rims
- Michelin Pilot race tires
- Race-bred Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers
- Jaguar Racing Green paintwork with Jaguar �leaper� graphics
Paul Gentilozzi�s Rocketsports Racing was a natural choice for the project. The team competes in the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup using a Jaguar XKR-bodied racecar, and has considerable experience in racecar fabrication and development.
"We used the principles we�d learned creating our XKR-bodied Trans-Am cars to create a racing X-TYPE. This aggressive wide-body look also reflects a growing number of the project cars coming out of the import car scene," explained three-time Trans-Am champion Gentilozzi.
Rocketsports� team of racecar engineers began by widening the X-TYPE�s track by over eight inches and fitting three-piece, center-lock BBS wheels. These 18-inch race alloys are similar to the ones the team used on its XKR during February�s Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race when Gentilozzi won his GTS class. They are fitted with the latest Michelin Pilot race tires, with a 345/18-section at the front, 385/18 at the rear.
To give the concept the kind of stopping power that matches its anticipated grip, 14-inch front, and 13-inch rear ventilated racing rotors clamped by six-piston Brembo racing calipers were added. They are fitted with race-spec Ferodo high-friction brake pads.
Modifications to the body included the addition of race-style wheel arches joined longitudinally by aerodynamic rocker box sections. At the front, there�s a deeper spoiler incorporating a lower splitter, while at the rear a full-width, racing-style wing is mounted on the rear deck. Rocketsports also fabricated a new exhaust system, featuring dual pipes emerging from each side of the rear.
The X-TYPE�s production grille openings and headlight locations were unaltered for the concept. However, to stay true to Jaguar�s R-Performance styling cues, the upper and lower front grilles use a chrome mesh similar to that used in the supercharged S-TYPE R, XJR and XKR models.
To complete the dramatic appearance, the concept is painted Jaguar Racing Green, a new color for all 2003 Jaguar models. And along each side, silver Jaguar �leaper� graphics echo those used on Rocketsports Racing�s XKR race cars.
