The C-X16 Concept to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show gives a compelling look at how Jaguar plans to make the sports car relevant in the 21st century. Its name, “One plus One,” could serve to designate seating—indeed the car is a 2-place coupe. Instead, I like to think One plus One as describing its propulsion system, a supercharged V-6 teamed with an electric motor operated in hybrid fashion akin to today’s Formula 1 KERS, Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems.
This and other technology are wrapped in stunning bodywork that defines an agenda for future Jaguar shapes as well as evoking the company’s past design ethos. Jaguar design director Ian Callum says the C-X16 is characterized by three “heartlines,” its front fender creases, sweeping roofline and rear haunches that wrap into the tail. To my eye, these possess a more pleasing unity than exhibited by several contemporary trendy designs that come to mind.
The interior of the C-X16, done up in Vermillion Red with black trim, continues the One plus One concept with dual regions for passenger and driver. The latter gets the best one, with controls and instrumentation suggesting both aeronautical ergonomics as well as classic Jaguar racing cars. Aspects of the interior convey what Jaguar calls a “secret until required” theme. Double vents for the climate control, for instance, deploy into sight only when needed; otherwise, the top of the dashboard remains as unadorned as possible.
To me, though, the most striking elements of the C-X16 are the ones completely out of view—components of its KERS-inspired propulsion system. The all-aluminum 3.0-liter V-6 is direct-injected, with a compression ratio of 10.5:1, Roots-supercharged and intercooled to the tune of 375 bhp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. This V-6 is conceptually evolved from Jaguar’s AJ-V8 powerplant, both with dual overhead camshafts actuating 4 valves/cylinder. On an environmental note, the C-X16’s cylinder heads are fabricated from recycled aluminum (this being one of the elements more amenable to recycling).
The C-X16’s electric motor adds as much as 94 hp and 173 lb.-ft. to the gasoline engine’s output, available to the driver through a “Push to Pass” feature of a steering wheel button. The system also allows the car to operate in electric mode at speeds up to 50 mph at light pedal use. (more)
Keep Reading: 2012 Jaguar C-X16 Concept – First Look >>
First Photos: 2012 Jaguar C-X16 Concept >>
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