Set to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show, the Jaguar C-X16 is a proper two seat rear-wheel-drive sports car following in the footsteps of last year’s C-X75 hybrid super car. The new car shares a lot of design cues with the rest of the Jaguar line-up and is instantly recognizable as a Jag.
Power comes from a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 380hp and 44.8 kg-m of torque. But that’s not all though, there’s a big red button mounted on the steering wheel that’s gives a power boost of 94hp. Jaguar calls this the ‘Push to pass’ button we like to call it the ‘Push to time travel’ button! All that power comes at the cost of efficiency, one would think, but one would be wrong. Light weight materials, a smart start/stop system (one that can restart the car in the time it takes the driver’s foot to release the brake and press the accelerator!) and formula one style KERS system that helps with the energy recovery and all that extra boost is begotten from a high torque electric motor mounted within the transmission. All the hybrid components and the energy recovery system components are stowed away within the wheelbase. Handling is not affected by the excess weight either, because it’s all well distributed within the chassis.
The bold, muscular design of the exterior is complemented by the stylish interior. There is suede cloth everywhere, with carbon fiber breaking the monotony every once in a while. On the center console, there are a pair or retracting vents that present themselves only when the need arises, hiding in the depths of the console when not needed. While the car is off, there’s not much to notice on the inside. Prod the red start button though and everything comes to life, the gauges, the center console mounted touchscreen based info-tainment system, climate control vents that double up as seat heater/coolers and last but definitely not the least the all-alloy supercharged engine under the hood! The engine is the last to come to life because the car can run as a Zero Emmissions Vehicle (ZEV) purely on battery power until around 50km/h.
No word on pricing or any launch dates, but judging by the design, the car seems to be nearly production ready. Check back here during our Frankfurt auto chow coverage for more details about this brilliant big cat!
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