Purring with power and performance.
Since Ford Motor Co. sold Jaguar Cars Ltd. to Tata Motors in early 2008, the England-based automaker has taken steps towards a newer, brighter future and advanced to the forefront of the automotive industry. Their latest model, the Jaguar C-X16 Concept, puts the company at the forefront of green performance.
The new Jaguar C-X16 Concept is a statement that redefines performance in the automotive industry. The concept of environmentally friendly power and forward-thinking design was inspired by the C-X75 Concept car that pushed the supercar envelope.
Under the clamshell hood of the Jaguar C-X16 Concept lies a brand new 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine based heavily on the Jaguar AJ-V8 engines that power much of the brand’s portfolio. The dual-cam, four-valve engine utilizes recycled aluminum heads and second-generation direct fuel injection with a 10.5 : 1 compression ratio. The supercharger feeding the V-6 is a sixth-generation twin-vortex Roots-type unit with greater fuel efficiency and improved boost precision. The prototype 3.0-liter develops 375 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque, giving it a 125 horsepower per liter of displacement output. Acceleration is effortless, reaching 62 mph takes just 4.4 seconds, and 50 to 75 mph acceleration takes a mere 2.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 186 mph.
Even more special about the Jaguar C-X16 Concept is the advanced hybrid system. The system doesn’t carry the same “slow” stigma as other hybrid models. The system doesn’t just focus on increased fuel efficiency, but also performance. The system allows the C-X16 to operate up to speeds of 50 mph as a zero-emissions electric vehicle. The Jaguar hybrid system also features a Formula 1-style KERS “push to pass” performance boosting electric motor that allows the driver to call up an extra 94 horsepower and 173 lb-ft. of torque instantaneously for ten seconds. Energy is stored in a battery pack mounted behind the rear seats for optimal weight distribution, and is regenerated through a rear axle electro-hydraulic braking system. The pack and electric motor are both cooled by liquid to prevent performance loss from excess heat. The entire system works in conjunction with an all-new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with start/stop technology.
The entire Jaguar C-X16 concept opens up a new chapter in Jaguar’s design language, much of which is based off of the C-X75 Concept car. “This car has been designed from first principles. It is an evolution of the design ethos of past Jaguar cars and defines the agenda for a future of dramatic, innovative sports cars. Purity of line and intent is what Jaguar does best,” says Ian Callum, Design Director at Jaguar Cars Ltd. “The stance of this car is everything. It is fundamentally a driving machine and that has driven every aspect of the design. We have pulled the three signature heartlines back as far as we can to create a dynamic tension. The car possesses a sense of latent power; the potential to leap instantly into action.”
The design is clean, simple, and distinctly Jaguar. The car sits poised and wears a rounded trapezoid grille and stretched back headlights creating a dynamic appearance. The lower front air intakes are divided by a single line that rises up through the front of the car and into each shoulder line to the rear of the C-X16. The rear features a distinct horizontal line that, in conjunction with both taillights, creates the impression of width and power. Each of the door handles are flush in the bodywork as to not interrupt the smooth lines of the sports car. Touch sensors activate two electric motors that deploy brushed aluminum handles allowing occupants to enter.
The 1+1 Jaguar hybrid sports car concept does not wear any unnecessary aerodynamic bodywork. A subtle front splitter creates downforce at the front axle while a carbon fiber Venturi-effect rear and side sill design create a low pressure zone underneath the Jaguar C-X16 Concept to help the sports car stick to the asphalt. The rear design that brings together the roofline and trunk negates the need for a rear spoiler as air becomes removed from the body at higher speeds. Completing the exterior are a set of 21-inch alloy wheels with carbon fiber inlays and a Gunmetal paint.
Jaguar’s advanced design was carried over into the interior where an aeronautical theme was adopted. Greeting occupants is a sea of Vermillion Red and aircraft-inspired ergonomics, the centerpiece of which is the joystick gear shifter. The layout of the cockpit is centered on the driver and provides superb visibility. A push of the starter button activates an aircraft-style start sequence that turns on the hidden displays on the center console. Facing the driver is an alcantara-covered steering wheel with “push to pass” button and digital gauges in a contrasting cool blue color. A new double vent system designed after the Typhoon jet intakes electronically deploy from the dashboard and envelop the interior space in a blast of cool or hot air to rapidly reach the desired temperature, and then discreetly fold away.
Much of the interior space utilizes lightweight carbon fiber. Both the driver and passenger are held by two racing seats with lightweight manual adjustments and carbon fiber spines. The lightweight material is also used throughout the interior trim to contrast the bright Vermillion Red. To improve the rigidity of the C-X16, Jaguar installed a carbon fiber bracing bar that runs between the seats and splits to reach each of the rear suspension turrets. Behind both of the seats sits the lithium-ion battery pack and inverter enclosed in a solid aluminum cover. The floor is finished with aluminum and black Poltrona Frau Leather with a handcrafted hex pattern.
The new Jaguar C-X16 Concept Hybrid is a step towards the future for the English automaker. The hybrid sports car will make its public debut at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt. Jaguar has not announced if and when the car will go into production.
Jaguar C-X16 Hybrid Concept Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters; 2995 cc
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Supercharged
Supercharger: Twin-scroll, intercooled
Valves per Cylinder: Four
Maximum Horsepower: 375 (280 kW)
Maximum Torque: 332 lb-ft.
Specific Output: 125 HP/Liter
Transmission: ZF Eight-speed automatic
Hybrid Performance Boost System:
System Voltage: 300 V
Power: 70 kW (94 HP)
Torque: 173 lb-ft.
Lithium Ion Battery: 300 V / 1.6 kWh
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.4 seconds
Acceleration 58-75 mph: 2.1 seconds
Top Speed: 186 mph (300 km/h)
Dimensions:
Length: 175 in.
Wheelbase: 103 in.
Width: 81 in.
Height: 52 in.
Weight: 3,527 lbs. (1,600 kg.)
Jaguar C-X16 Hybrid Concept Video
httpv://youtu.be/kQsNWcZbEsI
Jaguar C-X16 Hybrid Concept Gallery
Source: Jaguar Cars Ltd.
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