JLR Debuts New Jaguar Concept in Paris

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

JLR Debuts New Jaguar Concept in Paris

By Ward’s Staff

WardsAuto.com, Sep 30, 2010 1:59 PM

Special Coverage

Paris

Auto Show

Tata Motors Ltd.’s Jaguar Land Rover today at the Paris auto show unveils the Jaguar C-X75 and confirms a 5-door version of the upcoming Range Rover Evoque.

The C-X75 concept, an extended-range electric super car concept capable of reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in a scant 3.5 seconds, “hints at an exciting evolution of Jaguar’s design language while paying homage to some of its most admired cars of years gone by,” the auto maker says.

Inspiration for the concept came from iconic Jaguars such as the 1950s C-Type and D-Type race cars, as well as the ’66 XJ13 Le Mans prototype.

The C-X75 is capable of running in pure-electric mode for 68 miles (109 km) on a single charge. Once the charge is depleted, “lightweight micro gas-turbines” recharge the lithium-ion batteries, providing a theoretical range of 560 miles (900 km), the auto maker says.

The unique turbines, developed in a partnership with U.K.-based Bladon Jets Ltd., weigh just 77 lbs. (35 kg) each and produce 94 hp at a constant 80,000 rpm.

Energy created by the turbines is stored in the Li-ion batteries and transferred to the road via four independent electric motors at each wheel. Each motor produces 195 hp and, combined, a total torque output of 1,180 lb.-ft. (1,600 Nm).

Jaguar C-X75 concept features extended-range electric powertrain.

The aluminum-bodied concept boasts “active aerodynamics,” the auto maker says, noting the front grille and brake-cooling vents open only when necessary.

Additionally, vertical control surfaces in the rear automatically engage at high speeds to direct airflow aft of the rear wheels for increased stability and efficiency.

A carbon-fiber rear diffuser is lowered automatically as speeds increase, guiding airflow under the car and creating down force.

While it’s unlikely the C-X75 will ever enter production, it will serve as a “test bed for the technologies of tomorrow” and also “ensures that our reputation for engineering excellence will continue,” Jaguar Managing Director Mike O’Driscoll says in a statement.

Jaguar Land Rover confirms 5-door Range Rover Evoque will enter production.

Meanwhile, Land Rover announces it will offer a 5-door version of the Range Rover Evoque small SUV.

The auto maker earlier this year confirmed the 2-door Evoque, based on the critically acclaimed LRX concept, would launch next year.

Both 2- and 5-door versions of the Evoque will come available in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations.

Power for the U.S. version comes from a 237-hp 2.0L turbocharged gas engine, while international markets also will get two versions of a 2.0L diesel, one producing 148 hp and the other 187 hp.

The 5-door Evoque will be unveiled at the L.A. auto show in November. Pricing has yet to be announced.

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