Turbine – powered Jaguar C-X75 concept supercar
C
Imagine a supercar capable of 330kph (205mph) and accelerating to 100kph (62mph) in 3.4 seconds. Sounds like an environmentalist’s nightmare. But this vision of performance motoring is estimated to emit just 28g/km CO2. The concept car is built from aluminium and carbon fibre and powered by an electric motor at each wheel. Each motor weighs just 50kg and produces a maximum 195bhp. The motors are supplied by batteries that give it an electric-only range of 110km. The concept’s most striking innovation is the inclusion of two micro-turbine jet engines developed with Bladon Jets. These are not used for thrust as in conventional jet engines, but instead charge the batteries extending the range to 900km and enabling the impressive performance figures. Of course C-X75 is a concept at this point in time and cannot yet be driven. The first of many technical challenges is research into the function of the micro-turbine with the electricity generator. But Jaguar has looked to the future and shown how performance motoring may be compatible with a low-carbon society.
P EXIT
JAGUAR LAND ROVER SUSTAINABILITY 01.12.10 © JAGUAR LAND ROVER
CASE
STUDY
23