Re: See Doc's post above...my case in point (archive)

I realize this argument can go on forever, but you are misinformed about Jaguar "re-skinning" a Contour/Mondeo. This generation Mondeo has never been sold as a Contour and the parts of the Mondeo used for the X-Type are less than 20% according to Jaguar. Saab does in fact use GM engines and transmissions, shared with Opel and BMW uses GM transmissions. Rolls Royce, in fact used to use GM transmissions. You don't see Mercedes parts in Chryslers yet, but the next generation Concord/Intrepid will be rear wheel drive and use Mercedes drivetrains, suspension components and safety devices. If you know about Jaguar's history, you would know that Jaguar initially made only bodies to be installed over other manufacturers' chassis. While it's true that Jaguar had more "substance" to the materials used in their manufacture years ago, they also had a much greater risk of breaking. Remember Jaguar's reputation? In today's world, economy of scale is necessary to survive. If you live in the past, you will die in the future. I don't think any of us on this board has stated that the X-Type is the best car Jaguar ever made, but Jaguar's survival does depend on this car. It is a great first effort to break into this segment. It was not cost that attracted me to the X-Type, it was it's size and the availability of a manual transmission. I suspect there is something deeper that bothers you more than our "souless" decisions. I just think you should educate yourself a little better before throwing punches.

Mike

I am not degrading Jaguar...God knows my XJR wasn't cheap and of all of my cars...it is my favorite. My whole point was, I don't like parent company Ford re-skining a Ford Contour/Modeno(sp?), putting a Cat on it and calling it a Jaguar. Ford designed the chassis and let Jag "modify" it, Ford builds the "duratech" engines and lets Jag modify them, and Ford supplies the majority of the parts.

I understand Jaguar needed Ford resources...but they could have let Jaguar engineer it's own parts.

You don't see MB parts in Chryslers (it would help) or visa versa. You don't see GM parts (switch gear) in Saabs. In these cars, it would far more expectable than common Ford parts in a un common car like Jaguar.

Our Jags reputation was built not necessarily on reliability, but on Quality of materials, the feel of the engine winding out and the way the car felt. The Ford structure isn't up to world standards (or Jaguar), the suspensions don't have that magical ability to soak up poor roads, yet handle (like a cat), and the engines have a mechanical feel too them, that Jag engines never had. I've owned 4 Jaguars over the years, and I never bought them for quality, I bought them for the Jaguar feel.

I can understand, this is probable the first Jaguar for most of you and you don't know any better. Kind of like thinking your first girl was the best, but she wasn't and the X Type isn't.

The point I tried too make all along (but ignorant people read between the lines when nothing was there), is that Ford dumbing down such a historically and culturally rich company like Jaguar, and people excepting it, is a sad day for auto enthusiasts.

Good luck with your soulless decisions and I wish you all well.

Joe

Follow Ups:

Others speak.... Joe 11:56 11/20/2001 (6)
- That makes 2, Joe. (nt) MikeP 12:19 11/20/2001 (5)
  - Yon can count...I am so proud! Joe 13:06 11/20/2001 (4)
    - Re: Yon can count...I am so proud! Scott 13:27 11/20/2001 (3)
      - Re: Yon can count...I am so proud! Joe 14:02 11/20/2001 (0)
      - Re: Yon can count...I am so proud! Joe 13:46 11/20/2001 (1)
        
        Happy Thanksgiving, Joe....(m) MikeP 16:36 11/20/2001 (0)

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