Observers will point to ‘classic' Jaguar design cues – such as the grille – on R-D6, but it is important to realise that such features are there not because they commemorate Jaguar's past, but because they are intrinsically ‘right' for a thoroughly modern Jaguar.
R-D6 also takes advantage of Jaguar's lightweight structure strategy, as pioneered in the new XJ saloon. Using aluminium and composite materials for the chassis and body, R-D6 weighs just 1500kg. This allows it to capitalise on the power – and, more importantly, the torque – delivered by its V6 engine.
And it's the engine that will surprise many people – although, when you think about it, a high-performance 2.7-litre diesel engine makes perfect sense. Confirming Jaguar as a potent new force in the world of large-capacity diesels, the bi-turbo V6 is a tuned version of the engine that will make its debut in the S-TYPE in 2004. With horsepower in excess of 230bhp and a massive 500Nm of torque, the V6 diesel engine endows R-D6 with the pace to satisfy its looks and R-Performance rating. Acceleration from standstill to the benchmark 60mph takes less than six seconds. Top speed is an electronically limited 155mph.
The body
Distinctive, confident and original, R-D6 has a beautiful, pure style that triggers a simple desire: I want one.
Its distinctive blend of attributes inherent in the Jaguar psyche – emotional engineering, stimulating performance, intelligent technology and downright sexy design – makes R-D6 instantly recognisable as a true Jaguar. But the styling of the car – its lines and shapes, its sheer presence – heralds a design direction that makes no apologies to past, present or future.
At 4,330mm long, R-D6 is 342mm shorter than Jaguar's smallest car, the X-TYPE saloon – and 760mm shorter than an XK8 coupé. The compact length of R-D6 is aided by short overhangs front and rear (800mm and 695mm respectively) and is achieved with a wheelbase of 2,840mm.
To ensure R-D6 is a true four-seater, the design team refused to compromise on width or height (2,150mm and 1,390mm) but succeeded nonetheless in crafting a beautifully compact coupé that has all the road presence – and more – that you expect of a Jaguar.
Whether it is the grille that draws your eye, or the vents integrated into the bonnet and flanks of the car, or the aluminium finisher swooping over the entire side glass area, there is some instant attraction for everyone in the design of R-D6.
The headlights reveal a fresh interpretation of the twin-lamp style featured by Jaguars so successfully – and naturally – for many years. Both front and rear lights use LED technology to deliver the best possible function while maintaining beautiful form.
For many, though, it will be the details that make R-D6 so irresistibly attractive. Details such as the flush-mounted door handles, which pivot on the front edge to activate an electrical actuator that opens the door; the centrally mounted twin-pipe exhausts; the aluminium boot finisher engraved with the Jaguar script; or even the Leaper on the back of the car.
Text and photos courtesy of Fors Motor Company
