The hybrid version of Jaguar is not likely to hit market before 2013 or maybe even 2014, a recent report revealed.
Though the company is not forthcoming with details of the new car, what seems to be a probability is that the hybrid version will be powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine combined to a 35 kW or 47 hp electric motor. An automatic eight-speed ZF gearbox will be mated to the powertrain.
Its the XJ that might be the first to don the hybrid mantle though as per Peter Richings, the chief hybrid engineer at Jaguar-Land Rover, the the hybridized transmission is so designed that it can be integrated into any car that has a longitudinal layout. What this means is that its XF and XJ sedans can have the new hydrid transmission though not the X-type.
Apart from this, what Jaguar is actually focusing is the development of range-extending hybrids in the line of the Chevrolet Volt where there would be an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack that will act to store electric power, and a small petrol or perhaps even a diesel engine generator. The engine comes to life when the power from the battery reaches a certain minimum level. The role of the engine then will be to recharge the batteries while also providing juice to the electric motor. The lithium-ion battery pack can power the luxury sedan for up to 20 miles of electric-only driving while releasing less than 160 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere per mile.
Jaguar has been partnering with Lotus Engineering on eco-friendly projects like the Limo-Green for the development of safe green technologies.
