By: IOL Motoring Staff
Whitley, West Midlands - Jaguar's eagerly-awaited 3 Series competitor, the all-new XE sports sedan, will make its world debut at a gala function in London on 8 September. In the meantime, however, Jaguar has released the first of four technology previews that will highlight the technical, design and engineering features of the XE, its advanced aluminium architecture, unique driver aids and new Ingenium engine range, in the run-up to the launch .
F-TYPE FRONT SUSPENSION
The XE's double-wishbone front suspension is based on the F-Type sports car and includes some key components designed to deliver Jaguar XFR-levels of stiffness, mounted on a sub-frame with cast-aluminium suspension towers. Many components are made from cast and forged aluminium and some are produced using a patented process.
INTEGRAL LINK REAR SUSPENSION
By providing lateral and longitudinal stiffness, the integral link delivers sharper response and handling than conventional multi-link set-ups, while retaining a refined, luxurious ride. Like the front suspension, many components of the integral link suspension have been forged or hollow-cast in aluminium for the optimum combination of strength and lightness.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
New software algorithms now allow much greater scope for tuning than hydraulic-based systems; other benefits include variable steering damping, ease of low-speed manoeuvring and the ability to adapt to Jaguar Drive Control settings.
ALL SURFACE PROGRESS CONTROL
Even with the best traction control, rear-wheel drive cars can struggle to pull away on very slippery surfaces. Using sister company Land Rover's off-road expertise, it works like a low-speed cruise control to deliver optimum traction in the most slippery conditions without skidding and without the driver using the pedals.