Jaguar C-X75 Concept

There's a lot to the name of the Jaguar C-X75. The C stands for concept, X for experimental, and 75 for Jaguar's 75th anniversary, which the storied British brand is celebrating this year. Too bad they didn't sneak a T in there, for Turbine. Because this compact two-seat sports car debuting at the 2010 Paris show takes a unique approach to propulsion compared to the recent onslaught of eco-friendly supercars.

The highlight of the C-X75's powertrain is a pair of micro-turbines that act as diesel-fed range extenders designed to help keep the car's battery-powered EV motor turning the wheels. According to Jaguar, it's the best of all worlds: the high-end performance enthusiast's desire, but with fuel economy, emissions, and range that even the most frugal compact hybrid would struggle to match. The C-X75 also makes dramatic statements in the style, materials, ergonomics, and vehicle dynamics departments

Jaguar HQ challenged the C-X75 project team to come up with a unique alternative propulsion approach. There would be no V-8 hybrid like the Porsche 918, or a pure EV like the Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell or Audi R8 E-Tron. Although C-X75's approach is similar in scope to the Chevrolet Volt in that the concept can move under electric power alone, it's the range-extending part that's radically different.

Instead of fitting a traditional engine to the car like the Volt does to power a generator to deliver juice to the battery pack, the C-X75's diesel-powered, water-cooled turbines charge the batteries while the car is underway, and unlike the Volt, the turbines can provide power directly to the system to further boost acceleration when needed. The C-X75 is powered by four electric motors, each weighing roughly 110 pounds, which combine to produce a whopping 780 horsepower, along with an amazing 1,179 pound-feet of torque available from the moment you mash the pedal. The micro-turbines, which themselves generate roughly 95 horsepower each, sip from a 16-gallon diesel tank, and Jaguar claims an EV-only range of roughly 68 miles. As with the Volt, the C-X75 can be hooked up to any power supply to charge the battery. Charging times vary depending upon the power supply, but average about 5 hours.