Jaguar reveals Porsche 911 rival 07 | 09 | 2011
JAGUAR HAS RELEASED full details of its new C-X16 concept, styled by Scot Ian Callum. The strict two-seater, Jaguar's shortest car since it made the XK120 in 1954, is set to take the battle to the Porsche 911. It's expected the new Jaguar sportscar will enter the market at around £50,000.
Set to make it's world debut at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the C-X16, at just 4.4 metres long, boasts a hybrid drivetrain and new exterior and interior design language which give clear indications about Jaguar’s future direction.
Built around the next-generation aluminium XK platform, but with a shorter (2622mm) wheelbase, the C-X16's hybrid drivetrain helps it to sprint to 62mph from standstill in just 4.4sec and on to a top speed limited to 186mph.
Based around a new front-mounted, supercharged 3.0-litre V6, which develops 375bhp and 332lb/ft of torque, the engine gets Jaguar’s new Twin Solenoid Starter stop-start system. Just for good measure, it's also been paired with a new version of the familiar ZF eight-speed auto gearbox with an integrated electric motor.
In pure electric mode, using the 95bhp, 173lb ft electric motor, the C-X16 can travel at up to 50mph for short distances, drawing on the small 1.6kWh battery pack situated behind the seats.
See our video of the stunning new Jaguar C-X16
The combination of a downsized engine, electric motor assist and stop-start gives the C-X16 CO2 emissions of just 165g/km.
Cleverly, the battery is recharged via a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) — similar to the system which is used in the current generation of F1 cars — incorporated into the back axle.
Not only does the C-X16 deliver a 0-62mph time of 4.4sec and a limited 186mph top speed, but it can cover the 50-75mph sprint in just 2.1sec.
And just for good measure, its ‘push to pass’ button mounted on the steering wheel allows access to the extra boost, which gives the driver 10sec of maximum power.
This new engine is expected also to appear in other Jaguar Land Rover vehicles before the end of next year.
Inside the cabin of what Jaguar calls a “one-plus-one” layout, there's a wraparound, driver-centric design that “deliberately creates as cocooned and cosseting a space as possible”.
Jaguar is keen to highlight it used a modern aircraft cockpit as the catalyst for its interior design.
See more photos of the new Jaguar C-X16
An “aircraft-inspired” sequence — in which the centre console displays light up in a cascading sequence from top to bottom — is triggered by pushing the starter button. These TFT screens are hidden until they are lit; but unlike in the XJ, the main instruments are real dials but hidden behind a smoked glass panel.
There's also a chinky gearlever, which has made a welcome reappearance; the switchgear also gets a robust look and feel.
The dramatic sports seats have been reinforced with carbonfibre and the cabin is trimmed in Alcantara, with a floor finished in aluminium and black leather.
The concept rides on 21in wheels, which are tipped to be offered on the production version, and design chief Ian Callum believes the car "defines an agenda for a future of dramatic, innovative sports cars.” So there!
Scots Jaguars take off for charity
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill