Cool, but it looks like somebody hit an orange Smurf.

And check out the T-shirt on the guy at the far right. Can't say I'd ever wear that to work...

 

Over the last 20yrs I've been in differing OEM clay studios. As this pictures depicts... this is normal.

In this pic the clay looks very close to mass pro. and its very smooth. So I know it was an official photo taken at the very end of the styling cycle.

 

I don't remember seeing a watch and forearm imprint in my right fender!

 

One thing that is different... the grille isn't split like that.

 

Is the whole car clay or a clay over mesh setup

 

It was an upscale version of the Adobe:

 

We start with sketches that are then surfaced in 3D CAD (called "A surface"). A CNC program is made from that.
For the physical build we have generic carts where we can adjust the tires in wheelbase and width. Then blocks of foam (a special foam) is attached.
Then the blocks of foam are CNC'ed to about 15-20mm below where the final surface is to be. Then they lay clay over it and CNC the clay. Then work it by hand until everyone is happy.
When its approved they scan the clay (like the guy in the dinosaur shirt is doing).
At that point there is back and forth between styling and design (mechanical design). We make sure to capture layout criteria and/or regulations that must be met.

Also, in the earlier stages they do different shapes on one side of the car vs the other. That's kinda cool to see.

 

very nice thanks. Do the designers already know the powertrain they need to fit or do they give the shell to the enigineers and say here it is and they take over

 

We (mechanical designers) work with them to achieve the hood line. On a RWD like the S-Type its a balance of look down angle, aerodynamics, intake manifold shape, engine rock, and hood clearance. Styling and aero always wins that battle..

Fun fact... the bulge in the E-Types hood was to clear the inline 6's valve cover.

 

I know the S -Type was a retro influenced design (from the master himself who designed very differently to the above) but a beautiful modern interpretation from the late Geoff Lawson and his team nevertheless. It's aged quite well compared to some of the other designs from the mid 90's and even beyond. Some of the original Ian Callum designs were lovely as well (XJ, XK) some average, but he did have a lot of flair. The original XF concept was worthy and it still looks okay in the flesh but it's become too anonymous a model.
Jaguar persisting with their coal powered vehicle madness, not releasing the new XJ, the lack of the V8 in all models plus it's parent appearing to throw little money all hasn't helped...
Thierry appears to be there for all the wrong reasons as well.

Anyhow, getting back to design, all still appears to be a leaderless team at Jaguar at the moment; don't hold your breath...