CARS SCOOP & BIKES SCOOP: Jaguar Concepts

Jaguar XE 31

It has only been a week since Jaguar pulled the curtains back on its new C-X16 concept model at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but the British automaker has already began work on prototypes that will eventually lead to the production model, which is expected to hit the market as early as 2013.

At a first glance, the prototype seen in these fresh spy shots may seem like an XK Convertible, however, a closer look reveals that it's a test mule, meaning engineers are using body parts of an existing model on a different platform.

This is evident from the shorter wheelbase (notice the irregular fit of the rear panel behind the door) and rear overhang, as well as the widened tracks and the roll cage inside.

It is believed that the production version of the C-X16, which may or may not be called XE, utilizes a shorter version of the next-generation XK's aluminium platform. Exterior dimensions will likely remain similar to the study that measured 4,445 mm long, 2,048 mm wide and 1,297 mm tall.

The C-X16 concept was shown with a hybrid system that combines a 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with a 95HP electric motor integrated in the eight-speed automatic transmission’s structure for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

The production model will likely be offered at launch with a conventional V6 powerplant with a hybrid variant to follow later on.

The C-X16 will slot under the next XK as Jaguar's entry-level coupe aiming at both the Porsche Cayman and the 911.

PHOTO GALLERY

Jaguar C-X16

Jaguar is so far under-performing, recording a 27% sales drop in the first quarter of the year. Indian owner Tata Motors is determined though to turn its fortunes around by investing US$2.5 billion annually for the next five years in the British luxury carmaker and its Land Rover stable mate in order to develop 40 new models and variants. A spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type is certainly a good start: a modern sports coupe along with a roadster variant boasting compact dimensions and 21st century design and driving dynamics. This is exactly Jaguar’s main attraction at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show: the C-X16 “production concept”, as the study is officially named, clearly pointing at a road-going model.

To mark the event, Jaguar organized a motorcade of 50 classic models, such as XK120s, C-Types, D-Types and, of course, E-Types that drove through the city of Frankfurt starting at the Villa Kennedy and ending at the Palais Thurn and Taxis where the C-X16 was presented to the media.

Jaguar/Land Rover head of communications, Frank Klaas, who drove a D-Type in the parade, commented: “What better way to start the motor show than by driving such a selection of beautiful sports cars through Frankfurt, culminating with the global debut of the future of Jaguar sports cars, the C-X16.”

The two-seater compact coupe (4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height) uses a shortened version of the next-generation XK aluminium platform. The concept features a hybrid system that combines a 380 HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with a 95 HP electric motor integrated in the eight-speed automatic transmission’s structure.

Like the much more exclusive and expensive C-X75, the C-X16 has a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This allows the driver to use the electric motor for extra acceleration by pushing a steering wheel-mounted button, just like in Formula 1 cars. The difference is that, unlike the four-wheel drive, two-electric motors equipped C-X75, the small coupe's KERS will be simpler and drive will be directed only to the rear wheels.

Jaguar has even announced performance data for the C-X16: it accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and weighs 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs). Looks like Porsche’s Cayman and 911 will, in the near future, have another contender added to their rivals’ list.

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