The Jaguar C-X75 concept was one of the more beautiful cars we snapped at Paris 2010. Never thought that it would make production then – the centre of the car had micro gas-turbines that generate power to charge the batteries and extend range or provide supplementary power directly to the motors in Track mode.
But dreams do come true, and the C-X75 is going to production, Jaguar has announced. And they will be collaborating with the Williams F1 Team to create a mega priced Veyron rival that will be rather exclusive – they’re planning for a run of only 250 units, priced between £700,000 to £900,000. The car will feature F1 tech in aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. The C-X75 will have a carbon fibre tub chassis.
Autocar UK reports strong indications that the C-X75 will use a “highly boosted” 1.6-litre engine that is related to the four-cylinder engine Williams will use from 2013, as with all Formula 1 teams (this was announced by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council last December). In addition, the hyper Jag will have will plug-in electric drive motors on both front and rear axles, so some form of torque vectoring AWD is likely.
Not much details on the powertrain for now, but Autocar speculates a figure of up to 1,000 hp combined. Project targets are 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 3 seconds, 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in less than 6 seconds and top speed in excess of 200 mph or 320 km/h.
Going to the shops? The C-X75 will have an all-electric range in excess of 50 km and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions, so you can be as green as a Prius if you’re in the mood.
What about the turbine power as per the original concept? Jaguar will also work on that version, which will come later in the programme. It will feature miniature Bladon gas turbine engines, but Autocar says that over 200 of the 250 units will have the turbo four-pot, and not the jet. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this tech as a medium-term aspiration.
Both the ICE engined and the jet powered car will have a 230 kg lithium-ion battery pack. Live pictures from Paris 2010 and the official snaps are after the jump.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1575]
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1554]
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
not my type
jet power? how to transfer the power from the engine into tyre? or the engine is use to generate electric? enlighten me please :)
Just think or an jet airplane. Thrust coming from the rear diffuser of the jet, propelling the car forward. The electricity maybe generated by by some sort of gas turbine in the engine? I’ve seen the ads of this modern Jag (Maybe Paul has posted the video) at youtube, and i thought the turbines are just gimmicks. No shortage of power this time in the Jag!!
propel forward… thats scary man… but it is kind cool to use jet power on road car.
its just how gas turbine (turbojets engine) power helicopters.
for helicopters, the turbojets doesn’t provide thrust, but turns a shaft that connected to some gearing that will turn the rotors. I guess for this car, the turbine will turn a shaft, that will turn a generator/dynamo which will charge the batteries.
dont think this car gonna be propelled by thrust from the turbines.
wonder how it gonna sound.jet powered heh
Hello there :) *slurp*
This monster will use a “highly boosted” 1.6-litre engine but producing 1,000 hp combined? And project targets are 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 3 seconds, 0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) in less than 6 seconds and top speed in excess of 200 mph or 320 km/h?
Wow… Amazing!
Don’t forget the battery powered electric motors on both axles.
With a carbonfibre chassis and perhaps some panels, it will be quite lightweight as well, so their targets aren’t out of this world.
Ooo… You’re right Danny.
Since it is quite lightweight, I believe the handling should be very good too, just like Lotus.
The Veyron is too heavy although it has very powerful engine. This is care should compete with the Hennessey Venom GT I guest…
Video from youtube:
http://youtu.be/POU8yq8Rerc
This jaguar’s design has a lot new Lotus DNA in it. Maybe Donato Coco make a side income work after come back from work. :-)
finally, some use for the 1.6L f1 engines outside of the track!
Weird sound definitely like any other jet propulsion system. But hey! It is engineering for a try. Any possibility can happens in science now a day. Who knows that one day you will be using somethings new and really weird and out of the ordinary. Hope they don’t employ nuke power. Because it really sucks!
Jeremy Clarkson will have to eat his own penis if they really make this car.
The Jaguar C-X75 concept was one of the more beautiful cars ? emmm….not my taste
Looks absolutely stunning. This concept pays homage to the XJ220 of old – itself a glorious if somewhat ill – fated super car. However if the gas turbine engine does become a reality, I foresee quite a number of practical problems arising.
How does one dampen the sound of a jet engine? Considering the amount of sound dampening material that would have to be used to protect the cockpit, I’d imagine quite abit of weight would be added to the car. Also, can you imagine being stuck behind this car in a traffic jam? LOUD :-S
Also, the exhaust system had better be able to handle the insane blow – offs. Which brings me to another question, what of the vehicles driving behind? Jet engines are notorious for the huge amounts of heat emanating from the exhaust. Would it be dangerous if a car got too close from the back?
And COOLING is going to be a REALLY important issue to deal with. The car looks as if it has a few massive air intake valves built into the design. Would that be enough? Of course not. Would water – cooling be the best way forward? Again, not too sure. Whatever they use, it had better prevent the JET ENGINE from OVERHEATING. I can picture something of a mini TNT explosion if the car overheats without being cooled off in time. :-S
Also, I’d imagine a car with a gas turbine for an engine would only have a single gear transmission so that’s rather simplified. But it’s got to be able to handle the violent rpms and crazy racer boys constantly playing around with the throttle.
Just my humble opinion. What do you guys think?
and hence ‘THE DEVELOPMENTt’ monicker…im sure they are very well aware of all the factors you have pointed out.. they aint gonna be compensating for all those horrifying possibilites of a jet engine being unleashed to the general public ….without going into much detail i reckon it would be a very small and light unit which is cooled is some radical way that would only used to power up the battery as a ‘ranger extender’ of sorts once its drained as opposed to having a direct connection to the wheels ala the the chevy volt.
.this way would also mean they can keep a permanent check on the driver as he or she is not directly motivating that engine…im not of engineering background but i think its the most logical way off doing something like this without killing people or receiving constant law suits…it either be a monumental success or a monumental failure…it be interesting to watch how this pans out….
anyone complaining about hybrid cars being underpowered?