Jaguar C-X75 supercar to get 500hp 1.6 turbo?

Jaguar’s C-X75 supercar concept – first unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show – will be powered by a 500hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-charged engine, according to reports.

It is thought that the turbo and supercharged unit will rev to an incredible 10,000rpm to generate its peak power output. Sources suggest it will be strong enough to propel the C-X75 to 60mph from rest in under 3.0 seconds and on to a theoretical top speed of over 200mph.

Jaguar C-X75 – the new Jaguar supercar

On Bing: see pictures of the Jaguar C-X75

It is believed that the combustion engine will be supplemented by two electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear. Initial information suggests the electric drive units are powered by a 200kg 600-volt battery – the heaviest component in the car – located as close to the middle of the vehicle as possible in a bid to keep mass central.

This is leading to speculation the C-X75 will still complete the 0-62mph sprint in 6.0 seconds on electric power alone, with a projected 60km zero tailpipe emissions range also possible – although it is thought the two are likely to be mutually exclusive…

The four-cylinder petrol unit mooted for the C-X75 replaces the two jet turbines present on the concept designed to charge the car’s on board battery pack. Jaguar is, however, not ruling out utilising this possible power source in the future.

The engine’s power is sent to the rear wheels via a single-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission, said to save around 100kg in comparison to a dual-clutch unit, or can be diverted to charge the battery pack.

It is rumoured a synchronous electric motor in-line with the gearbox helps drive the rear wheels, while the unit on the front axle is permanently in operation, giving the C-X75 four-wheel drive capability.

The C-X75 will be the first Jaguar road car to use a carbonfibre chassis, which has been created in partnership with the Williams Formula 1 team.

A Jaguar spokesperson confirmed to MSN Cars that “the technology is progressing well with some incredibly exciting results.

“The technology continues to develop apace, with new and better solutions being identified all the time – pushing boundaries and stretching targets.”

The spokesperson also revealed that five prototypes are under development, “showcasing our highly advanced technologies, materials, electronics and aerodynamics.

“Further updates on Project C-X75 will be made as we enter the next phase of development.”

Jaguar C-X75 – the new Jaguar supercar

On Bing: see pictures of the Jaguar C-X75