Detroit 2007: your guide to the show - Jaguar

The next generation of Jaguars
It's difficult to overstate the importance of some concept cars - the Jaguar C-XF is one.

The Detroit show star paves the way for a whole new generation of Jaguars, starting with the XF S-type replacement. We'll see that car at the Geneva show in a couple of months, before it goes on sale in the UK in early 2008.

Hopefully, it will remain as faithful as possible to this handsome concept car, but it's bound to be toned down for production, particularly the coupe-like roofline.

Some of the interior tricks will be lost for production, too - things like starter button that pulses in time with the engine, and the beam of blue light that radiates from the centre of the instrument panel, chases its way around the cabin and finally envelopes the rear seats.

Still, the C-XF gives a tantalising glimpse at what Jaguar has in store.

Critical moment for Jaguar
In purely practical terms, the C-XF and the XF that follow are crucial to the health of the company.

The current S-type hasn't done well, and the X-type was considered a step too far downmarket for many people, too.

There were even rumours that Jaguar would be sold off by owners Ford because of poor sales, so it needs to make these cars work.

Jaguar C-XF on video
To see the Jaguar C-XF on video, click here.