The C-X16 is a foot shorter than today's Jaguar XK.
Who says a hybrid can’t quicken your pulse. Okay, most folks only get excited about a Toyota Prius when they realize they’re saving money at the gas pump. But Jaguar is betting it can get a little adrenaline flowing with an exotic design that uses a hybrid powertrain to enhance its performance, as much or more than to deliver good fuel economy.
We’ve offered a tease of the Jaguar C-X16 already but now we’ve got the first official pics of the “Baby Jag” sports car that the maker plans to unveil at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The Ian Callum styling will clearly be familiar to Jag fans, taking the sleek XK to a new level of aero-swept design.
The all-aluminum body and chassis measures just 175 inches nose-to-tail — or about 13 inches shorter than the current XK Coupe and four inches shorter than a Porsche 911 – and 51 inches tall. It would be the smallest Jaguar since the 1954 XK120, in fact. That is, if it goes into production.
“Jaguars have always been dramatically different,” says Callum. “With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”
The prototype reportedly can hit 60 in 4.2 seconds and tops out at 186 mph.
For the moment, that C- designation means it’s just a concept. But as with the C-X75 supercar, don’t be surprised to hear a formal announcement about going to production if the feedback is positive out of Germany, where the C-X16 will get its former sheet metal debut.
What we’re less certain of is Jaguar’s plans for the hybrid drivetrain. The maker has made no secret of its development efforts. With a 37.5 mpg standard going into effect in the U.S. in 2016 and even tougher mileage mandates coming in Europe some sort of advanced powertrain technology is critical. And that means Jaguar will likely share some of the new engineering under development by sibling brand Land Rover. For Europe, anticipate diesel power, but in the States hybrid is more likely.
The C-X16 pairs a supercharged V6 with a 92 hp/173 lb-ft electric drive system.
The challenge is to come up with a gas-electric system that delivers more than just mileage when you stomp the throttle. That seems to be the goal of this system which starts off with a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 making 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
A motor-generator links up with the C-X16’s new 8-speed gearbox, drawing power from a modest 1.6 kWh battery pack tucked in back. When it kicks in, you’ll get another 92 hp and 173 lb-ft.
A production version of the C-X16 could reach showrooms next year.
That definitely won’t be confused with a Prius – or even the more sporty Lexus GS hybrid. Jaguar is claiming a 4.3 second launch from 0 to 60 and a top speed of 186 mph. The system, incidentally, is operated like a Formula One KERS hybrid, with a push-to-pass button on the steering wheel.
According to our friends at AutoBlog, incidentally, the engine compartment is reportedly big enough to house a V-8 were Jag to find those performance numbers falling short.
The C-X16 is capable of operating on electric power alone, and at speeds up to 50 mph, though the small battery suggests it would likely only get a few miles of range in electric mode.
Should you save your pennies? Production seems likely, though you’ll likely see a more conventional hybrid package if the little sports car reaches showrooms – as many anticipate – next year, along with a naturally-aspirated V6. A supercharged six is reportedly also in the works.
The interior would likely also be toned down a bit, so don’t expect to see digital temperature read-outs on each of the air vents. But the basic package looks production-ready.