Jaguar moves C-X75 concept car towards production

The limited run of 250 cars will feature a hybrid drivetrain, although the company has not ruled out using the gas turbines seen in the original concept, which debuted last year at the Paris Motor Show.

For the production model, Jaguar will work with Williams F1, which will provide engineering expertise in areas such as aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies.

While full details of the drivetrain have not been released, the car will have small-capacity, highly boosted internal combustion engine with one powerful electric motor at each axle and will therefore have four-wheel drive. It will be capable of an electric-only range of 50km and achieve target emissions of less 99g/km C0₂.

Performance estimates for the production car include a sub-three second 0–60mph acceleration time and a top speed in excess of 200mph.

‘The engine’s compact size allows it to be mounted low in the car for optimum weight distribution and to retain the concept’s stunning silhouette. This will make the Jaguar C-X75 a bona fide hybrid supercar capable of silent electric running,’ said Bob Joyce, group engineering director of Jaguar Land Rover.

Costing between £700,000 and £900,000, the Jaguar looks likely to compete with Porsche’s hybrid car, the 918 Spyder — a production version of which was announced last month, also set for a 2013 launch priced at £672,000.

Porsche claims the 918 will be capable of a 3.2 second 0–62mph time and a top speed of 199mph with a fuel efficiency of 94mpg and emissions rating of 70g/km of CO₂.

Jaguar said it will continue to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, which made the turbines.

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