2002 Jaguar X-Type Racing Concept - Images, Specifications and Information

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Jaguar North America unveiled a dramatic 'Racing Concept' version of its all-wheel-drive X-Type at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) annual trade show. The bold, race-inspired concept has been developed to test the potential of Jaguar's X-TYPE sports sedan as a 'project car' for the enthusiast market, as well as continuing to explore options for Jaguar racing in North America.

With design inspiration taken from Trans-Am and the European DTM race series, the X-Type Racing Concept was built by Rocketsports Racing at its Lansing, Michigan shop using a 3.0-litre V6 all-wheel drive Jaguar X-TYPE as a donor vehicle.

Paul Gentilozzi's Rocketsports Racing was a natural choice for the project. The team competes in the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup using a Jaguar XKR-bodied race car, and has considerable experience in race car fabrication and development.

Rocketsports' team of race car engineers began by widening the X-Type's track by over eight inches and fitting three-piece, centre-lock BBS wheels. These 18-inch race alloys are similar to the ones the team used on its XKR during February's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race when Gentilozzi won his GTS class. They are fitted with the latest Michelin Pilot race tires, with a 345/18-section at the front, 385/18 at the rear.
To give the concept the kind of stopping power that matches its anticipated grip, 14-inch front, and 13-inch rear ventilated racing rotors clamped by six-piston Brembo racing callipers were added. They are fitted with race-spec Ferodo high-friction brake pads.
Modifications to the body included the addition of race-style wheel arches joined longitudinally by aerodynamic rocker box sections. At the front, there's a deeper spoiler incorporating a lower splitter, while at the rear a full-width, racing-style wing is mounted on the rear deck. Rocketsports also fabricated a new exhaust system, featuring dual pipes emerging from each side of the rear.
The X-Type's production grille openings and headlight locations were unaltered for the concept. However, to stay true to Jaguar's R-Performance styling cues, the upper and lower front grilles use a chrome mesh similar to that used in the supercharged S-Type R, XJR and XKR models

To complete the dramatic appearance, the concept is painted Jaguar Racing Green, a new colour for all 2003 Jaguar models. And along each side, silver Jaguar 'leaper' graphics echo those used on Rocketsports Racing's XKR race cars.