Start-up British sports car company David Brown Automotive will base its first model on the Jaguar XKR.
The as-yet unnamed new model will use the XKR's 5.0-litre supercharged engine, chassis and associated running gear.
David Brown Automotive will work with Coventry-based Envisage Group, which has recently helped create the Jaguar E-type-inspired Lyonheart sports car, to give the XKR a completely new retro-styled body made from hand-crafted aluminium panels and a new interior.
The firm has released two closely cropped pictures showing details of its new model, revealing the retro-shapes of the car's grille, front and rear headlights, and back end. The full reveal is planned for the Top Marques motor show in Monaco in April, where order books will also open.
Specs and performance of the new model match the XKR, meaning 503bhp for the V8 engine, a 0-62mph time of 4.8sec and a top speed limited to 155mph. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
David Brown Automotive is the creation of wealthy businessman David Brown. He said: "I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it’s not something anyone really offers. So, I’ve created it myself."
Speaking to Autocar earlier this year, he added: "The car will take inspiration from a lot of cars, not just British. It will be a mix of Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin and Jaguar. They will all be brought together into what I think is a beautiful and cohesive style".
The company intends to sell the model in limited numbers, starting with an initial run of 50 units. A maximum of 200 units could be produced annually, depending on interest.
The car has been named 'Project Judi', although Brown has confirmed the model will not retain that name when it goes on sale. While official pricing has yet to be revealed, Brown confirmed it will be a six-figure sum, which "will reflect the costs that are going into it, and the materials".
Among the design team for the new car is ex-Land Rover chief designer Alan Mobberley. Mobberley was previously linked with the Eterniti Motors project based in north west London.
Addtional reporting by Darren Moss
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BAH!
"Not something anyone really offers"?
No, nobody else does that of course! The XK is classically styled itself, while if you want to go beyond that there's Eagle and KWE. Plus multiple kit-based replicas, some of which are very good. So that's not really a good justification for these.
So if there is a good justification, it must be in the cars themselves. The XKR isn't a bad starting point, but I personally feel that the original is better looking than the DB reworking. And I'd rather have an F-type!
Brownsy