2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe Concept

From its first noticeable appearances in the early '60s, very little has changed about the traditional long-nosed, raked

While designing the ALC, Jaguar factored in that a growing number of its clients want a vehicle that can be used not only as a Sunday driver, but also for the daily duties. (Photo: Jaguar Cars North America)

cabin that sports cars possess. Even to this day, after nearly five decades of established vehicles, this graceful shape can be spotted with the Aston Martin DB9, Dodge Viper, and Jaguar's own XK-series. The ALC does not break these rules. From the mid-rear location of the cabin, the roofline swoops down, while the rear haunches narrow converging upon an upturned trunklid-cum-spoiler, tying the two portions together.

Though it's no surprise that Jaguar chose the fastback bodystyle for the ALC, the brand has also factored in that a growing number of its clients want a vehicle that can be used not only as a Sunday driver, but for the daily duties. Here, not only does the metal trunk lid rise, but the entire rear glass does as well, creating a long but narrow opening. The width of the bay may be narrow, and trunk's shape may be

The ALC features many new exterior accents, never before seen on a Jaguar. (Photo: Jaguar Cars North America)

awkwardly shaped, but it's a positive effort from a company typically known for impractical designs.

The ALC features many new exterior accents, never before seen on a Jaguar. A vehicle of this shape would normally feature elliptical headlamps, but Jaguar has substituted in horizontal, angular units which wrap around to the front fenders. Strange, chrome-accented lower air intakes, and central-mounted tailpipes are also a new, but their addition isn't at odds with the clutter-free design. There is, however a touch of familiarity through the chrome gills, located on the front fender. These have been a hallmark accent which the Lightweight Concept carries from the Eight, RD-6 and R-Coupe concepts.