PH Meets The Jaguar C-X75
PHers get an exclusive insight into Jag's spectacular jet-propelled supercar
Wrong. Because the CX-75 is a proper concept - a car that pushes the boundaries of what's theoretically possible in a car, and explores the limits of current (and future) technologies. To prove the point, Jaguar kindly invited PH to pop along to the Berkeley hotel for an exclusive chat with the engineers and designers behind the project, and for a glimpse of the real car behind the motor show glitz.
And what did we learn? Well, we won't go into the general details about the C-X75, because you can read all about it in our original story on Jaguar's spectacular concept car, but we were kept well entertained with some fascinating insights.
Like the fact that, because you can apply the torque of the electric motors to any wheel - in any direction - you could theoretically get the car's right-hand wheels turning in one direction and the left wheels turning in the other. Meaning the car could perform a 180-degree spin virtually on the spot.
We also learned that, at a constant 100mph, with one turbine helping to provide motive power, the other can recharge the car's battery in just eight minutes - the key to the C-X75's incredible 500-mile-plus range.
Oh, and as well as the 200mph top speed and claimed 0-60mph time of 3.4secs, the C-X75 could theoretically do 50-90mph in just 2.3secs, courtesy of 1200nm (885lb ft) of torque available per wheel at 85mph.
But our favourite nugget is that the interior door releases, which are operated from between an occupant's legs by a lever marked 'pull', imitate those on Martin Baker fighter plane ejector seat. Why? Just because the designers have wanted to do it for ages, and with this car they could. Brilliant.
Our winning PHers seemed to enjoy themselves, too:
Simon Frost (M5sime) reckoned the C-X75 is "stunning. It looks a little bit XJ220-like and very much larger than life."
Will Baxter (insight) - who runs a first-generation Honda Insight - thought that there was "an amazing depth of detail, especially the idea of the aero at the rear. It's a shame they didn't shout more about the amazing technology of this car when it was first shown."
Meanwhile, our heartfelt thanks go to Jaguar, and particularly the guys involved with the project who gave up a valuable evening to share their passion for this spectacular car with us here at PH. They were:
Matthew Beavan, exterior design manager
Hugo Nightingale, lead interior designer
Stephen Nicholls, advanced propulsion systems manager
Phillip Lelliott, MD, Bladon Jets
"Also deserving of a mention are the Jaguar folk who worked behind the scenes to help make this opportunity happen - so sincere thanks to one and all, from all of us!"
They have to build it. Now.
The figures quoted are staggering and as the turbines seem to be so much better than using a petrol or diesel I can't think why nobody has done it before.
If the technology can be brought down to an affordable price and fitted to a small Jaguar saloon it will be a runaway winner.
We also learned that, at a constant 100mph, with one turbine helping to provide motive power, the other can recharge the car's battery in just eight minutes - the key to the C-X75's incredible 500-mile-plus range.
Oh, and as well as the 200mph top speed and claimed 0-60mph time of 3.4secs, the C-X75 could theoretically do 50-90mph in just 2.3secs, courtesy of 1200nm (885lb ft) of torque available per wheel at 85mph
Just a note to say thanks for the event last night. It was great to meet the Jaguar team, and to discuss the design process with them.
Jaguar are certainly moving fast now, and certainly showing the Germans how to design stunning cars.
The C-X75 has some great technology in it, and the future looks just as exciting without the big V8's. I might keep one on the side though for the odd blast.....
Thanks again
Wayne
We also learned that, at a constant 100mph, with one turbine helping to provide motive power, the other can recharge the car's battery in just eight minutes - the key to the C-X75's incredible 500-mile-plus range.
Oh, and as well as the 200mph top speed and claimed 0-60mph time of 3.4secs, the C-X75 could theoretically do 50-90mph in just 2.3secs, courtesy of 1200nm (885lb ft) of torque available per wheel at 85mph
As someone who used to work for an industrial gas turbine company, Bladon Jets still have some way to go before this technology is viable in a road car; we're talking miniature power generation sets here, not propulsion. Additionally the power management system to get the whole thing to work together is more complex than we use to operate an offshore oil production platform.
However, to be fair to Bladon, they openly admitted there were still lots of challenges ahead. If they can get a deal with Tata, as intimated during the presentation, it should significantly accelerate their progress to being economically viable.
As ever, it's always interesting to speak to the designers about their concepts to understand what they were trying to achieve, and their inspirations.
Oh, and I like champagne.
It really did look larger than a 'real' car would be if made, but I asked the exterior designer and he assured me the dimensions are all standard supercar... Wheelbase of a 599 etc.. I thought it looked wide, a consequence I was assured of the low height...
BR
Sime
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