Jaguar Tapping Lotus For Help on XE

Under the ownership of Tata, Jaguar has been working to expand it's lineup and move upmarket. More proof of this comes from Autocar, with news that Lotus's thriving developmental arm is being contracted by Jaguar for feasibility studies on the new XE.

Above is a rendering done by TopSpeed on what the potential luxury flaghip roadster might look like. While it looks very similar to the XK, the XE would slot above the XK and be lighter, more luxurious and more powerful, not to mention much more expensive.

This isn't the first time Jaguar Cars and Lotus Engineering have collaborated on a project. Recently the two teamed up on the Jaguar XKR-S, with Lotus lending it's tuning expertise to that car's chassis.

Part of it has to do with Lotus's experience in aluminum vehicles, which Jaguar has employed on it's vehicles in the past to reduce weight, a particular Lotus trait.

In addition to engineering work, Lotus could also outsource production of the XE as well. According to AutoCar, the car is set for a debut at the 2011 Geneva Show.

I think it's likely we'll see a concept previewing the vehicle and gauging reaction before then. A go for production all depends on how the feasibility studies shake out.