Almost 20 years since its last supercar, Jaguar has confirmed plans for a new high-tech flagship that will compete directly with the new batch of hybrid exotics, specifically the upcoming Porsche 918 Spyder and Mercedes SLS E-Cell. The C-X75 will become the make’s first supercar since the XJ220, and the British brand’s most advanced model ever. The purpose of the Jaguar XJ220 of the 1990s was to move the marque into the last decade of the millennium with something state-of-the-art. In 1992, it accomplished its goal and seized the title of the world’s fastest production car from the Lamborghini Diablo and Bugatti EB110 with a top speed of 217 mph.
>Although the C-X75 will not compete for speed supremacy, it will elevate the brand to the top of the supercar arena. The production C-X75 will feature the same sexy sheet metal that made the concept so desirable. The concept utilized four 195-hp electric motors, one at each wheel for four-wheel-drive propulsion. Two micro-turbines extended the car’s 68-mile range to 560 miles. Although jet-like turbines would certainly solidify the C-X75’s place as an ultramodern supercar, these types of devices have never been integrated into a production automobile. Due to very high exhaust temperatures, turbines have yet to prove themselves as a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. Therefore, Jaguar is going to implement a more stable hybrid powertrain. The production car will use a highly boosted 1.6-liter four cylinder engine supplemented by one electric motor at each axle. The C-X75 (it will be renamed before production) will have an all-electric range of 30 miles. The gasoline motor will extend that range by another 270 miles. If that is too imposing, we have an incredible selection of new and pre-owned Jaguars for sale.
With a carbon-fiber F1-inspired chassis from a partnership with Williams F1, weight should remain below 3,000 pounds. Jaguar claims the C-X75 will run zero-to-60 mph in less than three seconds, 0–100 mph in less than six seconds, and on to a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Only 250 examples will be built, each costing approximately $1.150 million. Jaguar will begin taking orders after it announces the car’s official specifications in September. The XJ220 left the factory with heavy modifications due to emissions standards that resulted in order cancellations, lawsuits, and unsold cars. We hope that is one road that the CX75 doesn’t follow the XJ220 down.
