Frankfurt 2011: Jaguar C-X16 Concept

We're continuing to up the ante in the run-up to this year's biggest automotive show, Frankfurt 2011. We have already covered the updated Suzuki Swift Sport which is set to wow hot hatch lovers when it's released to the wild in Germany, but now is news straight from Jaguar about a new production concept which we will be reporting on live from the auto expo halls.

Dubbed the C-X16, with an artistic rendering taking the front cover, Jaguar have promised that the vehicle will be "a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology." The prancing feline manufacturer hasn't really given much away to the press but Autocar reports that the production version is to be based on a shortened version of the next-generation aluminium XK platform, with the car being produced by the same team behind the XJ, XF and XK. Headed by Ian Callum (Jag Director of Design), I have to say that I'm looking forward to seeing this concept in the flesh as concept Jag's always managed to glisten and sparkle.

In terms of powerplant, the C-X16 will fashion a new V6 block with the usual naturally aspirated and supercharged variants to spice things up.

The release date is an optimistic "end of 2012" job, but we will have to see whether this vehicle makes it into production as quickly as that. If it contains any design cues from the C-X75 then it should be a natural stunner. Counting down the days till Frankfurt...