Jaguar, for the most part, is a company that keeps with tradition. Their designs have been altered in the past, but almost every vehicle that comes out of their studio can not be mistaken for anything other than a Jaguar. Their latest creation, the C-X16 Concept is just that: a quintessential British Feline.
On the outside of the C-X16 could be the next XK grand touring coupe. All the ingredients are there: long hood, short rear deck with a continually sweeping back, bulging and aggressive fenders all on top of a long wheelbase. The shrunken rear tail lights share the aura of the larger XF and XJ while the wide-mouth front grille seems to be all-new. Ian Callum, Jaguar’s chief designer, wanted to make sure the C-X16’s looks were filled with drama. Keeping in mind the long-standing traditional shape that have Jaguar coupes so successful, he made sure his evolved design was still the car is should always be. “This car has been designed from first principles. It is an evolution of the design ethos of past Jaguar cars and defines the agenda for a future of dramatic, innovative sports cars. Purity of line and intent is what Jaguar does best,” said Callum.
A timeless design is one thing, but a sport car’s insides must be up-to-date if it ever wants to be competitive. The C-X16 is riddled with new technologies such as an all-new supercharged 3.0 liter V6 engine. Producing 375 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, the direct injected DOHC powerplant breathes through a roots-type blower: a modern Jaguar staple. Even though the engine makes 125 horsepower per liter, it isn’t the highest output block, especially compared to the 500 plus horsepower V8s current in use. Despite this modest power, the C-X16 can still hit 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. That figure is accomplished by help from hybrid technology as connected to the V6 is a performance boosting electric motor. You read that correctly; the C-X16 is essentially a hybrid.
The 1.6 kilowatt battery pack is mounted in the rear so the Jaguar still retains a 50:50 weight distribution. A “Push to Pass” button on the steering wheel allows for an extra 94 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque for up to 10 seconds. Not only does the electric motor assist offer extra power, but it will also allow the C-X16 to operate as a zero-emissions vehicle up to speeds of 50 mph. All of this motivation is transferred to the ground by way of the new, ZF-built eight speed automatic.
Source: Jaguar
