2012 Jaguar CX‑16
At‑A‑Glance
• A concept 'One plus One' sports car that explores future
performance hybrid options
• Seductive looks indicate the next evolution of Jaguar's
bold design direction
• Sensual shape is defined by three distinctive
'heartlines'; front fender crease, rear haunches and sweeping
roofline
• Driver‑focused two‑seater cabin trimmed in dramatic red
leather
• Powered by an innovative supercharged 3.0‑liter V6
producing 375HP (280kW) and 332 lb‑ft of torque
• Specific power per liter is an impressive 125HP (93.3
kW)
• Experimental high‑performance hybrid system boosts output
by 94HP (70kW) and 173 lb‑ft (235 Nm)
• Top speed of 186 mph, 0‑62 mph in 4.4 seconds and roll‑on
50‑75 mph acceleration in 2.1 seconds
• Steering wheel‑mounted 'Push to Pass' button controls the
hybrid boost function
• Performance hybrid is inspired by the Limo‑Green research
project and C‑X75 supercar concept
• Aluminum construction maximizes torsional rigidity for
sharper responses
• Eight‑speed ZF® automatic transmission
• Intelligent Start/Stop for improved fuel
economy
• Switchgear incorporates OLED displays into dual‑function
rotary controls
• New generation Jaguar touch screen with short‑cut
keys
• Advanced Climate Control employs an Intelligent Venting
System
• Composite seats stiffened with a carbon‑fiber central
spine
INTRODUCTION
"The C‑X16 is our compelling vision for a 21st century
Jaguar sports car. It 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."
‑ Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar
Cars
The Jaguar C‑X16 concept is a bold statement of Jaguar's
future design and technological intent.
The C‑X16 takes the traditional front‑engined, rear‑wheel
drive formula that Jaguar defined over the decades and reinvents it
for the 21st Century in a performance‑oriented hybrid drivetrain
with 50:50 weight distribution.
The latest iteration of Jaguar's 'Redefining Performance'
ethos, the system is based around a prototype supercharged
all‑alloy V6 which produces 375HP (280kW) and 332lb‑ft of torque
from 3.0‑liter V6. Supplementing this is an electric motor
producing up to 94HP and 173lb‑ft of torque, available to the
driver at the push of a steering‑wheel boost button.
Allied to an eight‑speed gearbox and mounted in a
lightweight aluminum chassis this allows the C‑X16 to sprint to 62
mph (100 kmh) in 4.4 seconds.
The aluminum bodywork is wrapped as closely to these
mechanicals as possible to distil the essence of Jaguar sports cars
into the next evolution of an already award‑winning design
language. By stretching the main feature lines back from the focal
point formed by the grille and pushing the wheels as far into the
corners as possible, the car has a taut, poised‑for‑action stance
that is unmistakably Jaguar.
The interior showcases important future technologies such as
multimodal rotary controls that incorporate miniature OLED screens,
which reconfigure to reflect the different functions that can be
performed via the controls, all of which are designed for maximum
compatibility between sports car needs and everyday
usability.
An example of this is the full smartphone integration via
the 'Connect and View' system by which the central TouchScreen
reconfigures to mimic the screen of a connected device. The central
screen also features a second‑generation interface with fingertip
touch supplemented by buttons that provide short cuts to top‑level
menu functions.
As expected from Jaguar, premium materials are used
throughout, with the main touch surfaces composed of a combination
of anodized aluminum, rich piano blacks, dark chrome, and carbon
fiber that underline the car's performance potential. The
manually‑adjustable bucket seats are made of lightweight composite
materials with a central carbon‑fiber spine for rigidity and
support.
REDEFINING PERFORMANCE
"C‑X16 draws inspiration from both our sporting qualities
and our current leading‑edge research into future powertrain
technologies and consequently delivers an irresistible proposition
on both emotional and rational levels."
‑ Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar
Cars
The 2010 Jaguar C‑X75 supercar concept introduced a
game‑changing approach to performance cars with its range‑extending
hybrid powertrain. Now, the C‑X16 represents a further avenue of
research in Jaguar's mission to develop sustainable powertrain
technologies and bring them to production.
The Jaguar performance ethos has its roots in the company's
Advanced Aluminum Architecture program, which focuses on agility,
power‑to‑weight and sustainability benefits. The Limo Green
project, conducted in association with the UK's Technology Strategy
Board, combined this lightweight construction with a highly
experimental hybrid powertrain that was further developed in the
C‑X75 supercar concept.
The next stage is represented here in C‑X16 by real‑world
hybrid technologies that enhance the driving experience as well as
the car's environmental credentials.
HYBRID TRANSMISSION
The C‑X16 signposts how the next generation of Jaguar sports
cars will produce their power in an environmentally conscious
manner. The concept is powered by an experimental hybrid powertrain
that combines an all‑alloy V6 engine with a performance‑boosting
electric motor with a "Push‑to‑Pass" feature inspired by the
Formula 1 Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)
system.
The purpose of this prototype hybrid‑performance system is
threefold: to supplement the V6 engine's already prodigious power
through an on‑demand 'Push to Pass' system; to reduce fuel
consumption; and to allow the C‑X16 to perform as a zero‑emissions
electric vehicle at speeds of up to 50mph on low throttle
openings.
Intelligent Start/Stop
The starting point is Jaguar's eight‑speed transmission with
Intelligent Start/Stop, which recently launched to great acclaim in
the XF sports sedan. The system can shut down the engine in just
300 milliseconds after the car has come to rest and utilizes a Twin
Solenoid Starter that is capable of restarting it in the time it
takes the driver's foot to travel from the brake to the
accelerator. This provides for faster recovery and seamless
performance.
Energy Recovery
The C‑X16 extends the Start/Stop system's functionality by
linking it to a transmission integrated motor generator mounted as
one unit with the gearbox. This draws power from a 1.6kWh
lithium‑ion battery pack mounted behind the seats for perfect
weight distribution.
Originally developed for one of the most demanding
motorsports environments, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)
used by Jaguar has its inspiration in racing. The battery pack is
predominantly charged through a rear axle electro‑hydraulic brake
energy regeneration system.
Performance on demand
A dashboard display graphic indicates when the additional
boost provided by the electric motor can be deployed. When charged,
a 'Push to Pass' boost button mounted on the steering wheel allows
access to an additional 94HP and 173lb ft of torque for up to 10
seconds. Because of the lag‑free nature of an electric motor, this
power is instantaneously available. The battery is constantly and
automatically recharged, the entire system overseen by a Hybrid
Vehicle Supervisory Controller.
Both the battery pack and electric motor mounted in the
C‑X16 are liquid cooled; preventing performance loss from heat
build‑up during spirited use. Additionally, the advanced
electronics draw chilled air from the climate‑control system. The
AC compressor is electric powered, rather than engine‑driven, to
reduce losses. The hybrid system is placed within the wheelbase of
the car to optimize weight distribution and maximize agility by
reducing the polar moment of inertia.
SUPERCHARGED V6
The front‑mounted supercharged V6 engine develops 375HP
(280kW) and 332lb‑ft of torque from a capacity of 3.0‑liters. A
modular development of Jaguar AJ‑V8, the all‑new powerplant points
the way to the next generation of highly efficient, powerful,
gasoline fueled internal combustion engines.
The new V6 uses the same lightweight aluminum architecture
as the eight‑cylinder engine with a high‑pressure, die‑cast block
with cross‑bolted main bearing caps for increased strength and
refinement. The dual‑cam, four‑valve cylinder heads are constructed
with recycled aluminum to reduce the environmental impact of
manufacturing.
Optimized for bore and stroke, the V6 also features a
second‑generation Direct Injection fueling system with a
compression ratio of 10.5:1. An electronic bypass for the
sixth‑generation twin vortex Roots‑type supercharger allows much
more precise boost control to reduce fuel
consumption.
Performance and Refinement
These advances in efficiency allow the V6 to produce a
specific power output of 125HP per liter. Allied to the
performance‑boosting electric motor the result is astonishing ‑
0‑62 mph (0‑100kmh) in 4.4 seconds, a governed top speed of 186 mph
and roll‑on acceleration of just 2.1 seconds between 50 and 75
mph.
To ensure the powerplant delivers not only the power but
also the refinement that Jaguar cars are famous for, the V6
features a patented system of independently rotating balancer
weights at the front and rear of the engine. Anyone familiar with
the smooth, powerful V8 will find that the V6 shares all its power
delivery and refinement characteristics, with of course its own
stirring soundtrack, while delivering improved economy and
emissions meeting SULEV 30 and EU VI standards.
DESIGN
"This car has been designed from first principles. It is an
evolution of the design ethos of past Jaguar cars and defines the
agenda for a future of dramatic, innovative sports cars. Purity of
line and intent is what Jaguar does best."
‑ Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars
If anything can be said to define Jaguar designs it is one
word: drama. The C‑X16 is no exception, taking the traditional
two‑seater sports car template and redefining it in the Jaguar
idiom.
In its simplest form, sports car design is defined by the
relationship between the mechanics and the bodywork. The aim at
Jaguar has always been to wrap the form as tightly as possible
around the function to create a taut, sculpted appearance that
could only be that of a Jaguar. Finished in Gunmetal, there is no
wasted space, movement or surface on the C‑X16, every line serves
its purpose in creating a whole that is more than the sum of its
parts.
Purity of Line
The C‑X16 moves the award‑winning Jaguar design language on
to the next level and is startling in its simplicity, defined as it
is by three 'heartlines' the front fender crease, the rear haunches
that wrap into the tail and the sweeping
roofline.
"The stance of this car is everything. It is fundamentally a
driving machine and that has driven every aspect of the design. We
have pulled the three signature heartlines back as far as we can to
create a dynamic tension. The car possesses a sense of latent
power; the potential to leap instantly into
action."
‑ Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars
The C‑X16 also makes use of newly established Jaguar styling
signatures such as the subtly rounded trapezoidal grille. Inspired
by the C‑X75 concept car and recognizably related to the current XF
and XJ, this is the focal point for the front end of the
car.
Muscular Definition
The muscular clamshell hood is defined at the outer edges by
two sharp creases rising along the upper edges of the front
fenders. These begin in the gill‑like strakes dividing the air
intakes flanking the grille before blending away into the shoulder
line running along the doors. The importance of this front fender
line is emphasized by the angular form of the headlights, which
deliberately follow the rising fender to lead the eye up and along
the contours of the car rather than cut across them. The horizontal
front fender vents, like those on the hood, are finished in
carbon‑fiber.
The defining role of the front fender line is taken up by a
further finely chiseled crease that forms a double curve, swelling
outwards and upwards from the waist of the car to encompass the
muscular haunches that are a Jaguar hallmark. This feature line
then swoops, unbroken, round the rear of the car to create the
tail, which mimics the appearance of the trailing edge of a swept
aircraft wing.
The rear lights continue the theme set with the C‑X75 by
extending around the flanks of the car immediately below the tail
crease to literally highlight the powerful width of the rear track
and, like the grille, provide instant recognition that this is a
Jaguar sports car.
Aerodynamic Simplicity
In order to retain the unblemished muscularity and
uninterrupted airflow along the flanks of the car, the door handles
are entirely flush with the bodywork. Touch sensors built into the
handles trigger silent electric motors, which present the machined
aluminum handles to driver and passenger.
The same desire for stunning simplicity has driven the
aerodynamic element of the C‑X16 sports car's design with no
unnecessary wings or spoilers. Down force is provided by a discreet
front splitter, Venturi‑effect tail design and side sills to
channel air smoothly along the car's flanks, all of which are
finished in carbon fiber. The sharp crease created where the curve
of the roof meets the tail also aids the aerodynamics by ensuring
the air separates cleanly from the bodywork at high
speed.
Even standing still, the sense of purpose and power inherent
in the C‑X16 is unmistakable thanks to a stance that optimizes the
relationship between the bodywork and the 21‑inch alloy wheels
which have been pushed to the extremes edges of the car and
finished with a carbon‑fiber inlay.
INTERIOR
The singularity of purpose exhibited by the exterior styling
of the C‑X16 is reinforced the moment the door is opened, whereupon
driver and passenger are greeted by a dramatic red interior trimmed
in the finest materials; leather, Suedecloth, anodized machined
aluminum, carbon‑fiber and dark chrome.
Vermillion Red Interior
The car is clearly centered around the driver and underlines
its 'One plus One' layout by deliberately creating as cocooned and
cosseting a space as possible. The heart‑stirring potential of the
C‑X16 is underlined by the choice of visceral Vermillion Red as the
primary color and trim theme throughout.
Aircraft‑inspired Layout
The C‑X16 takes inspiration for elements of its layout from
aeronautical ergonomics, such as the joystick‑style gearlever and
banks of toggle switches that also reference classic racing Jaguar
cars. As a result of this thinking the dashboard has been
shrink‑wrapped around the driver to provide the best view forward,
allowing the car to be placed with absolute precision in corners,
aided by the sharp creases on top of the front
fenders.
The desire to keep the top of the dashboard as unadorned as
possible led to the creation of an Intelligent Venting System.
Governed by complex algorithms built in to the advanced climate
control, this double vent ‑ inspired by the intakes on the Typhoon
fighter jet ‑ deploys out of the dash to provide an intense blast
of hot or cold air as needed to rapidly alter the cabin temperature
and then discreetly retracts when the desired level is
reached.
In the same way that the exterior door handles are concealed
until activated, a desire for ergonomic clarity means aspects of
the interior remain 'secret until required'. Pushing the starter
button initiates an aircraft‑inspired starting sequence that powers
up the hidden‑until‑lit displays in a cascade down the center
console. What looks at first sight like a TFT screen in front of
the driver is revealed to be an elegant twin‑dial instrument panel,
a hallmark of Jaguar sports cars, hidden behind a smoked glass
panel.
Dual‑function Switchgear
With Jaguar already a leader in touchscreen technology, the
C‑X16 features the next generation of the system, augmenting the
central screen with two rows of 'Home' keys on either side that
provide shortcuts to top‑level menu functions. Further controls
take their inspiration from devices such as smartphones and tablets
and provide multimodal functionality.
The rotary heating controls are made from machined aluminum
and anodized in dark gunmetal; traditional materials, but in the
center of each is a miniature OLED display which reconfigures
according to how the controls are used. Rotating the controls
alters the temperature on respective sides of the car but pushing
them changes their functionality; they now control the heating and
cooling functions of the seats.
The switchgear is framed in carbon‑fiber and features subtle
'watch‑like' dark chrome highlights while the gearlever and dynamic
mode selector switch are surrounded by red anodized aluminum to
emphasize their purpose.
Connectivity
The center console armrest houses the Jaguar 'Connect and
View' system. This system allows smartphones from a range of
manufacturers to be plugged into the machined aluminum tray between
the front seats, whereupon the central touch‑screen reconfigures to
reflect that device's display. The system will communicate with the
majority of the smartphone's functions, alerting the driver to
appointments, providing navigation instructions, reading out emails
and texts and, of course, making and receiving phone
calls.
Carbon‑fiber construction
Made from lightweight composite materials the close‑fitting
and supportive racing seats feature manual adjustments to further
reduce weight. A central carbon‑fiber spine runs up the center of
each seatback to reinforce it.
The structural properties of carbon‑fiber are further
utilized in a bracing bar that flows back from the center console
dividing the seats and then splits in two, before being bolted to
the rear suspension turrets to provide additional rigidity. Further
carbon‑fiber is found in the center console, framed by the tailored
passenger grab handle that flows organically from the dashboard to
the transmission tunnel. The floor is finished in aluminum and
black Poltrona Frau® leather that has been subtly hand quilted with
a Hex pattern influenced by the historic Jaguar logo ‑ this same
motif is found stitched into the Suedecloth
headlining.
Nestled discreetly behind the front seats are the
lithium‑ion battery pack and inverter that provide power to the
hybrid drive system. Positioned here for optimum weight
distribution, they are hidden under a cover machined from solid
aluminum and designed with integral heat sinks.
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