NEWS
Jaguar Unveils 205 mph, Active Aerodynamic Electric Car
C-X75 has opening-as-necessary front grille and brake cooling vents, deployable vertical control surfaces at rear corners and carbon-fiber rear diffuser with active airfoil
Paris, france — Jaguar’s latest concept car is a stunning range-extended electric supercar concept called C-X75 as homage to the 75 years of the company’s history. Seemingly leaving nothing on the shelf from Jaguar’s technology toy chest, the C-75 is reputedly capable of reaching 330km/h (205mph), sprinting from 0-100km/h (62mph) in just 3.4 seconds and offering mind-blowing acceleration from 80-145km/h (50-90mph) in just 2.3 seconds. Four powerful 145kW (195bhp) electric motors — one for each wheel — produce 780bhp and an astonishing total torque output of 1600Nm (1180lb ft). Two micro gas-turbines, spinning at 80,000 rpm, can generate enough electricity to extend the range to a remarkable 560 miles, yet produce just 28 grams of CO2/km from the car’s plugin charge capability. C-X75 also offers a zerotailpipe emissions range of 110km (68 miles) while running solely on battery power. Of most interest to Wind Tunnel International readers will be the C-X75’s active aerodynamics that facilitate an elegantly simple fuselage section yet remains stable at very high speed. Aerodynamics have always played a large part in Jaguar design with the late designer Malcolm Sayer elevating it into an art form in cars such as the midengined V12 XJ13, the prototype from which the C-X75 draws inspiration. In the active aerodynamic system, aerodynamic 6
efficiency is improved dramatically by opening the front grille and brake cooling vents only when necessary. At the rear corners of the car vertical control surfaces automatically engage at higher speeds to direct airflow aft of the rear wheels for increased stability and efficiency. The carbonfiber rear diffuser, a crucial element in guiding airflow under the car and creating downforce, includes an active aerofoil, which is lowered automatically as speed increases. Vanes in the exhaust ports then alter the directional flow of the gases to further increase the effectiveness of the diffuser. Shorter and lower than the current crop of supercars, the C-X75 has a simple central fuselage surrounded by prominent wheel arches. Maximum advantage of the freedom afforded by the absence of a conventional piston engine has been taken in the placement of mechanical components and the creation of an elegant engineering package. The lightweight micro gas-turbines, developed in partnership with Bladon Jets,
are, Jaguar believe, the first viable axial-flow micro-turbines and are so efficient they can be viewed as a realistic power source. Each of the micro gas-turbines weighs just 35kg and produces 70kW of power at a constant 80,000rpm. The energy created by the turbines and stored in the batteries is transmitted to the road using four independent electric motors. Also notable is the C-X75’s lightweight aluminum construction, based the technology already in production on the Jaguar XJ. Jaguar did not state when, or even whether, the C-X75 will go into production.
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