Big Cat Pounces!

Its one thing to build a concept car that ticks all the boxes including power, speed, economy and design values. It’s another thing entirely to take said concept car into production and make it available for purchase. Jaguar has followed the lead of more than one manufacturer of late by releasing details of the C-X75 Hybrid Supercar, then backing it up with news that 250 road going, production examples will be built.

Exclusive Supercars built in limited numbers are nothing new. Hybrid Supercars are and that’s where the C-X75 really catches the eye. Thanks to development with Williams and the extensive use of weight saving technology, the C-X75 is without doubt the British marque’s most advanced model to date. It’s not all about fire and brimstone either, with the light weight and hybrid technology combining to achieve impressively economical running. Jaguar expects the C-X75 to deliver incredibly low emissions of less than 99g/km while being able to achieve speeds in excess of 320kph.

“People expect Jaguar to be innovators - that is when Jaguar is at its best,” says Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”

“Confirmation of this project today signposts Jaguar Land Rover’s continued determination to embrace new technologies,” says Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth. “A supercar like the C-X75 is the logical choice to showcase cutting-edge design, intelligent use of new environmental technologies and motorsport-inspired performance.”

Interestingly, the technology sharing arrangement with Williams F1 has allowed the C-X75 to be as cutting edge as it is. The chassis, which will be constructed from carbon fibre, will be incredibly light and strong and is the direct result of lessons learnt in wind tunnels and on the racetrack.

Jaguar’s parent company Tata, has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, which will allow development of the rather advanced turbine technology in the medium term. Jaguar is also continuing to develop the micro turbine technology that was showcased in the original C-X75 concept. The small capacity, highly boosted internal combustion engine will generate plenty of power and is the centrepiece of the technological wizardry. The rest of the drivetrain will also be equally cutting edge though with a powerful electric motor fitted at each axle. The engine’s compact size and light weight allows it to be mounted low into the chassis which achieves two important goals. Firstly, it allows optimum weight placement and distribution, and secondly it will allow the production version to maintain the concept’s stunning, low slung silhouette.

Jaguar is predicting that the C-X75 will be up there with the fastest production cars in the world thanks to the twin engine technology and the top speed is matched by impressive off the mark performance as well. The big cat should dispatch the 0-100kph dash in under 3-seconds thanks to the instant torque and drive of the electric engines.

Williams’ time in F1 and success in the most competitive form of motorsport over the years leaves them in a prime position to assist in the development of a road going car like the C-X75. And an iconic British motorsport team makes for a perfect partner with an iconic British automotive brand. Expect the C-X75 to be priced around the million dollar mark - Australian dollars that is. With only 250 being built, it will almost certainly be money well spent.

“Never before has the company launched such an ambitious, world-beating vehicle programme,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO Tata Motors. “This is the Jaguar of the future. The opportunity for innovation like this in the UK is part of the reason Tata Motors invested in Jaguar, and it’s fantastic that products like the C-X75 can become reality.”