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by Adam Lynton
Production version to launch with conventional turbocharged engine as range-extender; microturbine-powered C-X75 to be track-only experimental car.
The hybrid supercar concept was revealed back in 2010, and early last year Jaguar announced a limited number of its C-X75 would be launched in late 2013. Inside Line says development of Jaguar's supreme sports car, which is being co-developed with Williams F1, is moving fast. Williams engineers taking the lead of the car's aerodynamic development have been challenged by cooling the car, as calculations reveal it required 1.562 square meters of air intake, which is larger than the car's frontal area.
It can, however, produce enough downforce to travel upside down at 120mph. According to Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's global brand director, the C-X75 is "looking more like a sculpture than a car, and more beautiful," as a result of these aerodynamic requirements that have altered the car's design. Jaguar engineering is heading the development team, with Williams providing 40 of the 100 engineers who are also contributing to the car's carbon-fiber tub, bodywork development, and hybrid driveline.
Development of the gas-turbine hybrid version unveiled with the concept will continue according to Hallmark, but will be offered "as an experimental car" for use on the track only. The micro-gas turbines and elaborate exhaust systems have been installed into the C-X75 body and its idle-speed exhaust temperatures are only a tad higher than a conventional car's. The production version will rely on a Cosworth-developed range-extender 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine based on a V8 F1 engine, producing 313hp per liter, which equates to a peak output of close to 500hp.
Electric motors that drive each axle allows for considerable control over torque delivery to each wheel, and also enable the C-X75 to reach 60mph in under 3 seconds, 100mph in 6 seconds, and a top speed of over 200mph. 250 examples are to be built, priced at $1.15 million each, with deliveries to being at the end of 2013. Photos displayed are of the 2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept.