And, finally, timid Ford execs saddled Jaguar with a series of retro-design cars that failed to inspire new buyers to come to the brand. The ultimate folly was the all-new, all-aluminum XJ sedan launched in 2000: It looked identical to the car it replaced, itself a development of a design that dated back to the mid-1980s.
Ford's BMW-chasing strategy for Jaguar is now in tatters, and the future of a number of models is looking shaky. But the good news is design chief Ian Callum has been given the green light to design Jaguars that look modern and voluptuous rather than digitally remastered 1960s clones. Here's how Jaguar's future now looks:
2007: New S-Type
The final design is frozen on the new S-Type, which will be a radical remake of the current car. Plans to build it off an aluminum-intensive version of the current car's DEW98 (Lincoln LS, Ford Thunderbird) platform have been scuttled in favor of the current steel structure with many aluminum panels. The new S-Type will define Jag's new design language.
2008: New XJ
This is likely to be a styling rework on its current aluminum platform to target buyers disenchanted with the radical design directions taken by BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. Imagine a big BMW/Mercedes-slayer with Maserati Quattroporte-level voluptuousness; so expect the greenhouse to be more rakish than the current model's.
2010: X-Type dies
Jaguar will put the glorified Ford Mondeo out of its misery by 2010. Instead, Ford's Premier Automotive Group will rely on Volvo to compete in the BMW 3 Series price segment.
A sporty crossover could replace the X-Type in Jaguar's lineup: Land Rover already has reportedly designed a vehicle based on the new Freelander that could do the job if Ford gives the green light.
Beyond 2010: F-Type
A smaller sports car to give Jaguar a Porsche Cayman/ Boxster, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK rival. If Jaguar gets the budget, it'll be something on a shortened XK platform. That means front engine, a cheaper solution than the mid-engine project canceled a couple years ago.