Re: Campaign for a REAL C-X75

AReader. I’m sure you’ll be cheered that this thread is generating more complex responses than ‘do we want this hypothetical vehicle?’ The debate about the ICE’s slow evolution is interesting. Obviously Toyota, GM, etc used whatever was hanging around the factory, but the choice of a reciprocating piston engine to generate electricity for the first hybrids is pretty unimaginative. Both turbines and the Wankel were touted in the past as the power source of the future, and both fell by the wayside because, as primary movers called on to deliver torque over a wide rev range, they were inefficient. But for generating electricity, that is another matter. This is why Jaguar’s (and Linkvolt’s gtrslngr!) proposal stimulates me in a way that the Prius and Volt left me flat.

On the matter of engine sound though, I do see problems. As I mentioned above, I assume that, for efficiencies sake, the turbines will spin up to a constant 80,000 rpm to deliver their charge, then cut off completely when not needed. So the rising wail of a V12, is not going to be replaced by the sound of Top Gun. But the alternative of producing an artificial engine note is abhorrent to me. This just leaves the hope that the turbines can be as quiet as possible, and we get used to savouring the sound of tyre roar and wind noise.

Lastly, on the matter of supercars, I have to make the admission that I have never got them. I have a natural disinclination to something that can’t carry luggage. When young, I sort of lusted after the likes of the Maserati Boomerang but, at the back of my mind, there was the question of when I’d reached the top and got one for myself, what I was going to do with it? Somewhere was the idea that maybe my Oddjob would be following me to Menton in an Aston Estate, crammed with my luggage, but it never really gelled. So, I never wanted a Countach poster for my wall. I have to admit that there are inconsistencies in my attitude, but I get round them by the simple method of deciding that the Miura, Bora and A8 aren’t supercars.

Re: Campaign for a REAL C-X75

bertandnairobi said:

"Hi kubrick and bertandnairobi. I see I am now outnumbered six to one! I think I better get on to the World Wildlife Foundation to start a conservation effort - I fear the sub-species "Petrolhead SpeedySapiens" is in danger of extinction. What an environmental catastrophy! Anybody else want to throw another bucket of cold water onto the fire of automotive excitement? Or is it possible that lurking out there in the shadows there are petrolheads - so far silent, fearful for their survival. Brothers (sisters too) stand up and be counted - let your petrol perpetrated passion speak!"

I´d go so far as to suggest the car Jaguar really needs is the same size as a VW Polo saloon. It needs a 1.5 liter petrol-electric hybrid and drive by wire steering. If the interior could be kitted out in fabrics inspired by Toyoto and Subara then I imagine the whole ambience would be perfect. A derivative could be a diesel estate. For cost savings, Jaguar could reskin a Prius.  

  

I just died a little inside... A Prius based Jaguar? 

 

Re: Campaign for a REAL C-X75

bertandnairobi said:

Hi: No need to die inside. I was making a lame attempt at humour.

I gave a knowing chuckle B&N!

Re: Campaign for a REAL C-X75

On the subject of our personal supercar preferences, given enough money I'd likely indulge in some exotica, but I've always tried to be a balanced pragmatist - so would probably be pleased to make do with a Cayman or Evora. But I might not buy a new car at all. I'm more of a classical bangernomics bloke - my current daily driver is a well kept high mileage1983 Porsche 944 and I think it's a super car!

Re: Campaign for a REAL C-X75

Greetings all, I am jumping-in here while travelling (through Italy, in a rented A4 with the scarred bumpers to prove it) and have not had time to follow the twists and turns of the conversation.  But getting back to the campaign for a real C-X75...

Like others mentioned on Pg. 1 I am all for the turbine-electric drivetrain.  My only disappointment was that in terms of immediate feasibility, this elegant-sounding powerplant might as well have also featured a warp coil, plasma induction and hyperdrive.  I would like to see the C-X75 become a powertrain testbed in the manner of the Mercedes C-111 series of vehicles from the '70s, and perhaps it could be used for reliability runs, record attempts etc over the next number of years required to perfect the technology.

Of course, if Jaguar saw fit to build a batch of C-X75s with conventional engines in the meantime, I would certainly be delighted.  But I'd prefer the Munich Mondeo competitor or Boxster-fighting roadster first, as those are vehicles I can conceivably aspire to.

Ciao!