Jaguar's C-X75 Steals the Show in Paris

The Paris Motor Show has barely started and Jaguar already stunned the audience with a super car concept that goes beyond the classic lines we usually see from the British car maker. Apparently, the brand who celebrates its 75th birthday this year, is defining a new path for its design with this range-extending novelty. As it claims, the C-X75 incorporate past, present and future of Jaguar's design and technology ideology.

Jaguar’s vision for the future of super cars, reaches up to 330 km/h (205mph), accelerates from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.4 seconds and from 80-145km/h (50-90mph) in just 2.3 seconds. It is powered by four 145kW (195bhp) electric motors – one for each wheel - which produce 780bhp and a total torque output of 1600Nm (1180lb ft). Inherent in the drivetrain is the ability to independently vector torque to each wheel across the full speed range.

Two micro gas-turbines, developed in partnership with Bladon Jets, spin at 80,000 rpm and generate enough electricity to extend the range of the car to 560 miles while producing just 28 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the car’s plug-in charge capability. The lightweight micro gas-turbines are also capable of recharging the Lithium-ion batteries, giving the car a theoretical range of 900km (560 miles). The C-X75 ha a zero tailpipe emissions range of 110km (68 miles) while running solely on battery power.

Jaguar also focussed on the aerodynamics in order to improve performance. For example, the carbon-fibre rear diffuser, an element in guiding airflow under the car and creating downforce includes an active aerofoil, is lowered automatically as speed increases. Moreover, The C-X75 features an extruded and bonded aerospace-inspired aluminium chassis, saving on weight and improving on its sustainability and performance.

On the exterior, the C-X75 is finished in Jetstream Silver and displays a shorter and lower body than the current crop of supercars. Its exterior design features a simple central fuselage surrounded by prominent wheel arches.

The interior hosts fixed seats while the steering wheel, controls, main binnacle and pedal box all adjust towards the driver. For the new interface the main driver information screen is placed within the instrument binnacle and combines designs from instrumentation in the new XJ saloon with those from fighter aircraft to create virtual 3D ‘gimbals’ around which the gauges wrap and rotate to provide status updates.

Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars, states: “The C-X75 is a tribute to the people who shaped the iconic Jaguars that are revered to this day. By making it an innovative test-bed for the technologies of tomorrow, it also ensures that our reputation for engineering excellence will continue for another 75 years and beyond.”