Jaguar provides some details on its concept hybrid C-X16 to be introduced at Frankfurt

The concept hybrid C-X16. Click to enlarge.

Jaguar has released details of the C-X16 concept ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The two-seater concept hybrid features a next-generation supercharged 3.0L V6 gasoline engine producing 380 PS (375 hp, 280 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 N·m) of torque and a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel-mounted button for on-demand acceleration.

Mounted in an aluminum chassis structure, the powertrain delivers 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h) and acceleration from 50-75 mph of 2.1 seconds. The C-X16 is also able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph (80.5 km/h) under electric power alone and has CO₂ emissions of 165 g/km.

Jaguar C-X16 steering wheel detail showing the boost button. Click to enlarge.

The purpose of this prototype hybrid-performance system is threefold:

• to supplement the V6 engine’s 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 50 mph on low throttle openings.

Integrated into the eight-speed ZF gearbox is a motor generator which draws power from a 300V, 1.6 kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats for 50:50 weight distribution. Charged through a brake energy regeneration system, the batteries allow the motor to provide an additional 95 PS (94 hp, 70 kW) and 173-lb ft (235 N·m).

The eight-speed transmission is equipped with Intelligent Start/Stop, which recently launched in the XF sports sedan. The system can shut down the engine in 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.

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 the lithium-ion battery pack.

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.

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 94 hp and 173 lb-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 to prevent performance loss from heat build-up. Additionally, the 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 is a modular development of the 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.

These advances allow the V6 to produce a specific power output of 125 hp (93.3 kW) per liter.

To ensure the powerplant delivers refinement as well as power, the V6 features a patented system of independently rotating balancer weights at the front and rear of the engine. The V6 shares the V8’s power delivery and refinement characteristics, while delivering improved economy and emissions meeting SULEV 30 and EU VI standards.

The C-X16 measures 4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm. In terms of overall length, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

The C-X16 will be presented at the Jaguar Land Rover press conference in Hall Five at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday 13 September.

Source: Green Car Congress