Currently reading: Autocar confidential: Ian Callum's new favourite car, Jeep goes green and more

Our reporters empty their notebooks to round up a week in gossip from the automotive industry

Jag designer XE-dingly pleased with new saloon 

Former Jaguar design boss Ian Callum had the pick of the company’s range when it came to choosing his next car, but prioritised a facelifted XE HSE R Dynamic in red as his next choice. “I love this car,” he said. “It might be the smallest model in [the] range, but I’m particularly proud of its design, and on those wheels with that pack and in that bold colour, it’s a real head-turner.”

A194119 large

Audi EV has a 'greenhouse' with a difference

Because Audi’s AI:ME autonomous concept car is designed for use in large cities, the firm’s design team has put a focus on ensuring the interior functions as a “relaxation and detox” space. That includes an air filtration system, designed as the car’s USP. To showcase the system, live plants are embedded in the dashboard and wrapped around the roof.

Ghibli 20133752

Maserati thinks big for future models

Maserati will not launch any models smaller than its current line-up, which has the Maserati Ghibli and Maserati Levante as the entry-level saloon and SUV models. “You don’t want to go down. You want to go up,” said boss Harald Wester, in reference to the fact that bigger cars produce bigger profit margins and draw the brand away from any sort of mass-market image. 

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Could Jaguar's transition into an all-electric brand force one of its less commercially successful models into retirement too early?

Back to top

190305 Jeep stand 01b

Jeep wrangles with electrified powertrains

Plug-in hybrid tech allows Jeeps to become “more than the sum of their parts”, said FCA boss Mike Manley. The improved performance, emissions and economy are the obvious benefits, but the technology also boosts off-road prowess with its instant torque delivery and greater control.

Read more

Insight: Q&A with Ian Callum, Jaguar design director

Futuristic Audi AI:ME concept hints at Volkswagen ID rival​

Jeep Renegade and Compass PHEVs arriving in 2020​

Join the debate

Comments
3
Add a comment…
Conte Candoli 11 June 2019

Beautiful XE

I absolutely agree with Ian Callum.

It's the best looking Jaguar and the best looking car in its class.

It's better looking than the XF. Why? Because the XF lacks the Hofmeister kink.

abkq 11 June 2019

XE as Callum's favourite car?

XE as Callum's favourite car? 

This comes as a surprise because the long bonnet / short cabin combo shown in the red car above speaks of cabin space compromise. The very short rear door shows up the very long bonnet and vice versa.

A cab forward design would have been much more honest, especially in the compact saloon class.  

I have more admiration for genuine design (of which Giugaro is a master) than mere styling.

sabre 11 June 2019

Electric FCA

Electrification may improve FCA Achilles heel - reliability