The Jaguar C-X75 is a concept car that celebrates 75 years of the Jaguar name in the form of a range-extended electric two-seater supercar. It showcases a futuristic propulsion system cloaked in a sleek aluminum chassis inspired by the shape of the 1966 XJ13 Le Mans prototype.

Running in zero-tailpipe-emissions mode solely on battery power, the plug-in-capable C-X75 has a range of 68 miles. A quartet of 145-kilowatt (195-hp) electric motors (one per wheel) provides the C-X75 with 780 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque, as well as a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive to put it securely to the pavement. What separates the Jaguar from other electric-driven vehicles is a pair of microsized gas turbines, mounted amidships below a glass panel, which spin at 80,000 rpm to generate 140 kilowatts (188 hp) to charge the batteries, giving the C-X75 an extended range of 560 miles. Or choose track mode to switch the turbines' output to "boost." Jaguar estimates that the 2,975-pound two-seater can zap from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph.

Air management is a key factor, in terms of both supplying high-speed grip and feeding the air-gulping turbines, as evidenced by an underbody Venturi, deeply sculpted side scoops and a massive carbon-fiber rear diffuser.


What is it like to drive?

Our drive of the C-X75 took place only six weeks after the car's sensational debut at the Paris motor show and just before its North American premiere at the Los Angeles auto show. Appropriately, we got to sample this "jet-propelled" beauty next to a runway at the Santa Monica Airport.

The lightweight "butterfly-style" door glides up and out, providing a fairly large entryway into the futuristic, leather-lined cockpit. A wide sill requires that you perch on the edge of the seat, then pull your legs in, but there are no ingress-egress contortions like those required by a Lamborghini.

The lounge-chair-style seating is molded into the back wall of the cabin and incorporates aluminum handles in the center of the lower seat section that mimic the seat-ejector pulls of fighter jets and are used to open the doors. While the seats are fixed, the steering wheel and instrument pod slide back and forth according to driver preference, as do the unique open-frame polished-aluminum brake and accelerator pedals. Micromesh door panels contribute to the open feeling of the cabin. Behind them resides a "floating" honeycomb array of tiny Bowers & Wilkins audio speakers.

Despite the low silhouette of the roofline, vision forward and to the sides is surprisingly good.

As purely a concept and show car, the C-X75 is far more virtual than reality. Consequently, our test drive was run solely on battery power and at more of a creep than a leap into the future. For a concept car, the fit, finish, and overall workmanship were first-rate.


Do I want one?

Even if you want one, Jaguar says it has no plans to build the C-X75. But it's a good bet that some of the technology and materials employed will show up sooner or later in production Jags. The multifuel capability of the microturbines makes them an exciting power source of the future. Of course, the stunning shape of the aluminum chassis would look just as alluring draped around a conventional engine.


Jaguar C-X75

Price: $300,000-$500,000 (est)

Available: No current plans

Layout: Two-passenger, mid-engine, all-wheel-drive coupe

Drivetrain: Twin turbines (195 hp), four electric motors (780 hp); direct drive

Weight: 2,975 lb