STUD or DUD: Does Jaguar's Latest Concept Have What It Takes To Go Head-To-Head With The Porsche 911?

In the past several years, Jaguar's latest designs and concepts haven't exactly blown my doors back. Not at least since the the 2002 XJR - 100 and F-Type prototype that never got the green.

Well, from our first glances at the all-new Jaguar C-X16 certainly makes an impression. And considering how...er...less-than-desirable the XF and all-new XJ are, it's about time that Jaguar got up and did something electrifying -- no pun intended.

Funny enough, this specific vehicle will actually be powered by a hybrid system. Whoops! I guess I spoke too soon!


Jaguar's press release follows:

C-X16 PRODUCTION CONCEPT REDEFINES JAGUAR SPORTS CARS

• C-X16 is a bold statement of Jaguar's future design and technological intent
• A compact, rear-wheel drive, two-seater, with a true sporting character, underpinned by immensely strong aluminium architecture - perfect 50:50 weight distribution
• Powered by an innovative supercharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 380 PS (280 kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque
• Hybrid system controlled by a steering-wheel mounted 'Push to Pass' button boosts output by 70 kW and 235 Nm
• Top speed of 186 mph, 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and 50-75 mph acceleration in 2.1 seconds with CO2 emissions of 165 g/km

Jaguar has released details of the C-X16 concept ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking firmly to the future, the C-X16 marks a new chapter for Jaguar.  The two-seater concept has inspired new advances in design, in engineering and in vehicle technology to create the most compact and responsive Jaguar in a generation.  A hybrid, the C-X16 combines searing performance with beautifully realised styling.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars:"The C-X16 embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars:"Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance."

Under the muscular clamshell bonnet is a next-generation supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 380 PS (280kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque. Already boasting a high specific power output of 126 PS-per-litre, the performance of the C-X16 is further supplemented by a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration.

Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is a motor generator which draws power from a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats for ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Charged through a brake energy regeneration system, the batteries allow the motor to provide an additional 95 PS (70 kW) and173 lb ft (235 Nm).

Mounted in an aluminium chassis structure, the result is 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 186 mph and acceleration from 50-75 mph of 2.1 seconds. The C-X16 is also able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph under electric power alone and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

The C-X16 measures 4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm.  In terms of overall length, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

The C-X16 will be presented at the Jaguar Land Rover press conference in Hall Five at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday September 13 at 09:15 CET.