Tradition meets technology

Artisan skills are supporting traditional engineering in the creation of complex, high-profile concept cars.

When the wraps came off Jaguar's C-XF coupe-style sedan concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month, few may have considered the enormous input of individual craftsmen in the creation of such an advanced design. For Jaguar, it signals a move away from traditional evolution to far more daring revolution, but integrates the traditional crafting of leather, wood, and machined aluminum with futuristic but practical styling and trim.

“The C-XF is a blueprint for the future and is an indicator of what Jaguar can do,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar's Director of Design. “Most of the car is hand built. The challenge is to take that craftsmanship and relocate it within something that is mass produced.”