LA Show: Jaguar's C-X75 Supercar Makes NA Debut

Without doubt, the star of Jaguar's stand at this year's 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show is the range-extended electric supercar concept, the C-X75, which is designed to celebrate 75 years of the marque, but also to provide a glimpse into the future of Jaguar.

The C-X75 is not only a beautifully sculptured supercar but also a technological show piece. It is motivated by four 195-horsepower electric motors, one in each wheel. A six hour domestic plug-in charge is good enough to offer a driving range of 68 miles. When the batteries are depleted, a center-mounted, 188-horsepower gas turbine engine kicks in to recharge the batteries and extend the supecar's range to a total of 560 miles.

Jaguar claims the four-wheel drive supercar is capable of reaching a top speed of 205 mph [330 km/h].

Recent media reports suggest the British company is looking into a limited-run production model based on the concept car. If true, we could see the first prototype models out in the open testing as early as 2013.

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Arden Takes On the New Jaguar XJ Saloon

The all-new Jaguar XJ is one of those cars you either love or hate. There is no middle ground with this strange mix of old and new, of traditionalism and modern manufacturing techniques. Now German tuners Arden, perhaps best known these days for tuning Jaguars, Minis and Land Rovers, have returned to their roots and taken the big cat for another turn around the workshop.

The XJ's exterior gets a subtle bodykit, stainless steel mesh grille, LED fog lights, 21-inch alloys and the brand's now defunct leaping cat emblem. It's the interior, though, where things start to get interesting. Customers can specify a whole host of options including several varieties of Connolly Leather or Alcantara as well as carbon, chrome or wood for the trim. Dynamic interior lighting helps further accentuate the Arden Jag from the norm.

The full details are all rather sketchy at the moment, including what modifications were done to the XJ's 5.0 L petrol and 3.0 L diesel engines, though hopefully these will be released at a later date. Until then you can sit back and admire our fine gallery of photos from Arden's website.

Bu Tristan Hankins

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Jaguar Styles up XF Saloon with new Black Pack Kit

Jaguar UK has released a new styling kit for the XF saloon, called the Black Pack. Available on the XF Diesel S, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 petrol and XFR models, the £950 factory package improves the premium saloon's visual appeal without going overboard.

Those that opt for the Black Pack will get 20-inch Draco alloys, painted in dark grey, gloss black grille and window surrounds, and a choice of several exterior colors, selected to maximize the car's visual impact.

The company said six colors (Polaris White, Spectrum Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Lunar Grey and Liquid Silver) can be order for all variants, while the Kyanite Blue and Salsa Red colors are unique to the range-topping XFR.

"The Black Pack gives the XF a highly distinctive, very modern and a slightly edgy appearance," said Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK.

For an even more dramatic effect, customers can pair the Black Pack with the XF Aerodynamic Pack on Diesel S models. Launched earlier this year, the latter includes a re-profiled front bumper, black mesh inserts for the grille, lower air intakes and side sills borrowed from the XFR.

By Csaba Daradics

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Malignant Rumors: Jaguar Considering 2,000 Units a Year of Turbine-Powered C-X75 Halo Car

As Porsche begins development on the hybrid 918 Spyder, Jaguar is reportedly taking the idea of a limited-run production version of its Paris Motor Show C-X75 concept into consideration. Autoweek reports that the British luxury marque is discussing the possibility of building up to 2,000 units annually of its XJ220 successor. If you're thinking about getting the checkbook out anytime soon, though, hold it right there.

First, due to production methods and costs, a firm number has to be decided on in regards to the C-X75's volume. Then, over the next five to seven years, Jaguar will try to prove its futuristic micro gas turbines - which are actually cheaper to develop than an internal combustion engine - are feasible for a consumer vehicle.

Tony Harper, head of advanced powertrain development for Jaguar, says, "We're talking two to three years for implementation of the gas-turbine technology, then another three to four years to integrate into a vehicle."

Should this timeline be believed and the bookkeepers give Jag a green light, we could begin seeing mules of the futuristic turbine-powered supercar as early as 2012 or 2013. Don't worry; by 2017 the Matt Beaven-penned C-X75 should still be looking fresh.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autoweek

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