In the hopes of expanding its product lineup and buyer appeal, Jaguar reportedly is working on getting a new four-door hatchback, similar to the RD6 concept shown in 2003, into production.
The new car, supposedly code-named RD7, might target the likes of Audi’s new A5 Sportback. Although the car’s styling will likely resemble current Jaguars, Inside Line reports that two distinct features – suicide rear doors and a side-hinged hatch – will carry over into a production model.
The RD7 will reportedly ride on a shortened version of the XF’s platform, but that common lineage won’t help the car see an assembly line sooner than later. The company is presently working on a smaller sports car based off the XK, and tight budgets mean that neither car can be “fast tracked” for production. Inside Line expects the XE to launch in 2011, but the RD7 wouldn’t see the light of day for another two years.
Source: Inside Line