Wednesday, 04 December 2024
Wednesday, 04 December 2024
"A cyber-truck in Barbie Pink" snarled one contemptuous critic. "Jaguar really thought they would win us over with this toaster-on-wheels dipped in pink," raged another angry non-fan.
Carmaker Jaguar was hit by another hot blast of criticism and contempt after visuals of its all-new concept car leaked on the internet hours before it was scheduled to be unveiled amidst a blaze of publicity at the Miami Art Week.
Reactions when the new Model 00 was finally unveiled ranged between anger, puzzlement and fears that the new 'Batmobile' look would be the future of the automobile industry.
"Jaguar has no desire to be loved by everybody," was the sharp reaction of Gerry McGovern, the company’s chief creative officer at the launch. "It has already stirred emotions and will continue to do so," he added defiantly.
Jaguar had confirmed the night before that the Barbie Pink and London Blue shades of the vehicles that appeared on the net were correct. The leak appeared to be deliberate to allow critics to let off steam before the actual launch.
The new concept car is sleek from some angles but critics said it was unlike any Jaguar before it. Most unusually, it does not have a rear view mirror and auto industry analysts speculated that there would be several cameras pointing in different directions that would keep drivers in touch with the world and the road behind them.
The lack of a grille also gave the concept car a chunky look that buyers might not be used to. The concept car that appeared on the net was also a two-door version though the company has promised that its first car out of the factory will be a four-door saloon. The concept car also had an oval steering wheel.
Several critics charged that the company was putting its "wokeness" on display by showcasing the Barbie Pink model that might be aimed at an LGBTQ audience.
Others pointed out that Jaguar might be coming out in pink in a bid to attract women buyers. Traditionally hardly any women ever bought Jaguars.
Jaguar Managing Director Rawdon Glover has hit back at the critics who have already slammed the new vehicle and the highly unusual ad campaign .
Other indications that this online version is incomplete came on the dashboard which had no space for a speedometer. However, in most countries speedometers are required by law.
Word in the market is that the car – named Type 00 – will retail for around £125,000 (Rs 1.33 crore approx). That's considerably pricier than the Jaguars that have been selling on the market till now.
Jaguar defended its vivid colours saying, "Miami Pink celebrates the vibrancy of the city while London Blue, a modern take on the opalescent silver Blue of the E-type, is a nod to Jaguar’s British heritage."
A few car lovers decided to offer the concept car a bit of love. "So much more interesting than Jaguar’s current bland offerings," said one. But that person was definitely in a small minority.
