2010 XJ will get hybrid power
Jaguar is preparing a hybrid version of its XJ saloon based on the next generation model that's due next year.
According to an Autocar report the green XJ will use similar technology to the Chevrolet Volt, meaning the electric-drive luxury Jag can be charged by a small-capacity on-board engine or from a conventional plug socket. Some of the best brains in Britain are contributing to the project including engineers at Lotus, MIRA and Caparo.
Money from the European Investment Bank will help fund Jaguar’s green push, adding to the £800m in funds the firm has already earmarked for green projects. The cash will allow Jaguar and Land Rover to develop hybrid technology, smaller capacity diesel engines and improved turbocharged engines, resulting in a 25 per cent cut in CO2 emissions from the company’s line-up by 2012.
The green XJ will have an electric-only range of 30 miles and should return 57mpg overall. It won’t be as quick as regular Jaguars, with a top speed of just 112mph, but it will be significantly lighter.
Jaguar and JLR will look to increase the use of aluminium in future models, with alloy body panels and all alloy bodies destined for several new models. The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport and next-generation Jag XK will all be made with alloy bodyshells to help reduce weight, and the forthcoming XE two-seater is also likely to use an alloy platform.
Produciton of the more environmentally friendly XJ will start in 2011, one year after the next-gen XJ goes on sale.
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