Jaguar C-X75 – A hybrid supercar prototype without equal. (video)

Following the highly successful introduction of the Jaguar C-X75 supercar to the media for test evaluation in June 2013, Jaguar is releasing a behind-the-scenes film of the car’s development: C-X75 – A hybrid supercar prototype without equal.

The film features contributions from the car’s lead programme engineers and reveals the challenges overcome in developing a vehicle with a 220mph top speed but that is also capable of producing less than 89g of CO₂ per kilometre and can even run with zero emissions for up to 60km.

When Jaguar unveiled the C-X75 concept in 2010, it was the beginning of a new chapter in innovation and technological advancement that would see the car evolve from a design study to a fully working prototype in just two years.

In that incredibly short timespan, Jaguar and development partner Williams Advanced Engineering have created an all-wheel drive, plug-in parallel hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with the world’s highest specific power engine and Jaguar’s first carbon composite monocoque chassis.

Although the decision was taken in 2012 that as a result of the global economic climate the C-X75 would not enter full production, it was clear that it was a powerful showcase for Jaguar’s world-leading expertise in lightweight vehicle construction and the ideal test-bed for the company’s innovative research into high-performance, low-emission powertrains.

The great achievements in the development of C-X75 prototypes – including cutting-edge hybrid technologies, carbon composite materials and advanced design solutions pioneered in association with Williams Advanced Engineering – will be utilised in other areas of research and development, innovative future products and next-generation engineering for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

Highest power and torque density

The C-X75 has a combined power output in excess of 850bhp and 1000Nm of torque, thanks to its state-of-the-art, Formula 1-inspired, 1.6-litre dual-boosted (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder powerplant which generates 502bhp at 10,000 rpm.

It is allied to the highest torque and power density electric motors in production, which generate a further 390 horsepower. The battery pack in the C-X75 is the highest continuously rated power PHEV pack in the world, capable of delivering more than 300kW over the full state of the charge window.

The C-X75 can sprint from 0-100mph in less than six seconds, thanks to its advanced 7-speed automated manual transmission that allows gearshifts in under 200 milliseconds. The very first C-X75 prototype exceeded 200mph in testing with ease, and the car has a theoretical maximum velocity of 220mph.

The car’s deployable aerofoil and underfloor aerodynamics create more than 200kg of downforce at 200mph, and active systems enhance its high-speed stability.

Ultra low emissions and pure electric mode

Thanks to the most extreme PHEV specification of any mobile battery in development, the C-X75 will also run for 60km in pure electric vehicle mode and its CO₂ emissions fall below 89g/km.

The C-X75 project allows Jaguar to stake an even stronger claim as the UK’s most significant investor in innovative technology. The results of the C-X75 programme, in particular in advanced powertrain technologies and lightweight composites, demonstrate Jaguar’s technical leadership at the very cutting-edge of automotive development and manufacturing.