Manufacturer: | Jaguar |
Model: | C-X16 |
Description: | Jaguar C-X16 ConceptBig Hybrid Performance in a Small, Sexy Package
The
upcoming Jaguar C-X75 hybrid supercar has many admirers, but with an
expected run of just 250 units and a price tag north of $1 million, only
the super-rich need apply. Now the storied British automaker is teasing
us with another looker: the Jaguar C-X16 Concept. While it gets the
trickle-down treatment of the C-X75's performance and style, one thing
the C-X16 won't share with the C-X75 is its sky-high price. Should a
version of the C-X16 make it to production, it should be within reach of
more potential customers.
Jaguar revealed the C-X16 ahead of the car's official Frankfurt Auto Show debut, placing a lot of emphasis on its experimental, high-performance hybrid system, with most of the power coming from a supercharged, direct-injected, all-aluminum 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 375 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the C-X75, which uses two powerful electric motors in its hybrid powertrain, the C-X16 employs a single unit and includes a Push-to-Pass feature that Jaguar says is inspired by Formula 1's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Activated via a steering wheel-mounted button, Push-to-Pass uses an electric motor rated at 94 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque to supplement the gas engine with up to 10 seconds of added boost. Jaguar says the C-X16 will only need 4.4 seconds to get from 0-60 mph, and top speed is limited to 186 mph. The hybrid equation is definitely interesting (and fast), but not overly complicated. Like most hybrids currently on the market, the motor draws its power from a lithium-ion battery that is charged through regenerative braking. The C-X16 further bolsters its green credentials with the ability to operate solely on electric power at speeds of up to 50 mph. Added fuel savings are achieved by a ZF-sourced eight-speed, automatic transmission, and start/stop technology.
To
help keep curb weight down (Jaguar claims the car weighs 3527 pounds),
the C-X16 contains generous amounts of aluminum, including all the body
panels. Head designer Ian Callum could have easily designed the C-X16
after the iconic E-Type, for a retro tribute to the icon. Instead, the
C-X16's sheetmetal is completely modern and shares many cues from the
C-X75 supercar and the larger XK. From the front, the wide, oval grille,
and headlights that continue on to the sharply creased front fenders,
mimic the C-X75, while the hood vents are similar to those found on the
XK-R. Additional C-X75 cues make their way to the rear, including the
long, horizontal headlights that run into the large, rear haunches.
Overall, Jaguar says the C-X16 is a display of "aerodynamic simplicity,"
forgoing the use of exterior embellishments like a rear spoiler.
Inside, the lightweight and sporty themes continue with seat frames made of composite material, and interior trim that includes leather, suede cloth, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Jaguar also attempted to keep a simple look with concealed displays and switchgear, including an Intelligent Venting System that features air vents that pop out of the dash as needed. The tech trickery continues on to rotary knobs that contain OLED displays that change and control a number of tasks. The infotainment system includes Jaguar's Connect and View system, which reflects a smartphone's display on the touch screen and allows the control of most functions such as appointment reminders, checking e-mails, and making phone calls.
It's
unclear when or if the C-X16 concept will make it to production, though
Jaguar has hinted at a roadster smaller than the XK for quite awhile
now. Ratan Tata, CEO of Jaguar's parent company, Tata Motors, strongly
backed the idea of a small roadster shortly after he acquired the brand
back in 2008. If the C-X16 does get the green light, its nomenclature
will like switch to the XE to mimic the rest of the Jaguar lineup. Its
main competitor? With a wheelbase of 103 inches and an overall length of
175 inches, it's obvious Jaguar has its sights set on the Porsche 911.
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