Motor Trend has “learned” that a version of the oft–rumored Jag “XE” roadster might have more than just a supercharger whine. They say the 2011 (likely XF-based) “new age E-Type” (lots of luck) will include an extended-range electric version. But don’t worry heritage fans . . . there will still be a proper engine. With three cylinders. Motor Trend kids you not. At least until they mention that “whether the extended-range XE will make it beyond the concept stage is uncertain.” But only after hinting that the forthcoming XJ is also due for the EREV treatment, circa “late” 2011. Time, tide and CAFE standards wait for no automaker? MT figures an EREV Jag will compete with the Tesla Roadster. Which, considering the differences between the XF and the Elise as starting points, probably only means the EREV Jag soft-top will cost around $100K. Perhaps sir would rather look at a V8 model?
Could they at least put three more fake cylinders over the electric components in there so that it looked like an old Jag engine?
Ridiculous.
It’d make one hell of a kick-ass golf cart.
I am confused! My brain is melting. Spacetime has fractured.
Why not? If they can make it run like a sportscar, it doesn’t matter what powers the thing. Lexus used the hybrid system to give their LS the tug of a V12 with the efficiency (ha ha, well relatively) of a V8. And so far, for all the troubles within Tesla, the roadster itself seems to have turned out pretty well (though it sure had its problems on the way).
I for one would very much like to see a car that runs like a Jaguar but is as clean and efficient as a Prius. Considering the future, if somebody doesn’t build a car like that then we will indeed all be stuck in mindnumbing vehicles.
I’m just guessing, but I’d wager it will weigh at least two times as much as the first E-Type and be half a much fun.
Twotone
Perhaps they have found a new energy source in the form of Sir William Lyons spinning in his grave?
–chuck
Having driven several EVs at a conference last week, I can tell you: a fast electric car is breathtaking.
The Mindset, about which I am writing a short review, is for the first few seconds quicker than a 911 Turbo. And I’m talking about an EV that does not try to be particularly fast.
If they get the battery longevity issues and range extender bits sorted out, folks, then the future is electric. For Jaguar too.
Why do you tease us with the beautiful F-type concept?
This new Jag will probably look like another Prius-Insight-Volt clone. Ugh.
“Having driven several EVs at a conference last week, I can tell you: a fast electric car is breathtaking.
The Mindset, about which I am writing a short review, is for the first few seconds quicker than a 911 Turbo. And I’m talking about an EV that does not try to be particularly fast.
If they get the battery longevity issues and range extender bits sorted out, folks, then the future is electric. For Jaguar too.”
You are completely jumping the gun here. Nothing is known about the long-term reliability of battery-powered cars, that is, the battery or the auxiliary systems like the battery cooling system that is required to keep all that inefficient power transmission in check. Not to mention battery disposal and that is just the issues we can think of and not the surprises that will come along the way.
The future may be electric, but I doubt it will be in the shape and form we see today.