The latest Jaguar concept, the C-X16 was released at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany last week. Smaller than the XR series, its position is reputedly to be a successor to the legendary E-Type, and I have to say the photo does show some styling cues from the earlier Jaguar.
The new Jaguar is a two seat hybrid with a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 petrol engine that can produce 380 BHP and 450 Nm of torque with a Formula 1 styled hybrid boost system and a steering wheel mounted “Push to Pass” button for on-demand acceleration. The drive train features an eight-speed ZF gearbox and a motor/generator that draws power from a 300 V, 1.6 kWh battery pack that is charged through a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).
Jaguar’s E-Type successor
The combination of internal combustion and an electric motor produces huge torque and the C-X16 returns acceleration figures of zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h. Jaguar also claims that the C-X16 can run at speeds up to 80 km/h just on electric power.
Jaguar say the idea behind this hybrid performance system is to supplement the engine’s power with a “push to pass” system; reduce fuel consumption; and allow it to perform as an electric vehicle at lower speeds.
There are a number of features that help boost its performance. Among them is intelligent start/stop which can shut down the engine in 300 milliseconds after the car comes to a rest. This is also linked to a transmission motor generator. Meanwhile, the KERS used by Jaguar sees the battery pack mainly charged through brake energy recuperation.
In that niche market of high performance coupes, the selling point is heritage and looks. The Jaguar C-X16 has both.
