Jaguar To Build Million Dollar Hybrid-Electric Car

DETROIT (WWJ) - The first million dollar hybrid is coming.  Jaguar confirming that it's going to build a production version of the C-X75 "supercar" that it's been showing on the auto show circuit.

"People expect Jaguar to be innovators - that is when Jaguar is at its best," said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director, in a statement released by the company. "The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We've been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar's renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this."

While the point of most hybrid vehicles is to impove fuel economy, and save the owner money on gasoline, a vehicle like this is about adding an electric motor to boost performance, while still being enviornmentally sensitive.

WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert says the C-X75 concept car turned head when it made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show, and made its North American premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The production version of the C-X75 will not have the energy producing mico-turbines of the concept car. A press release from Jaguar listed some of the vehicle's attributes:

• Mixes internal combustion power with electric motors to achieve supercar performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions
  Downsized highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and four-wheel-drive
  0-60mph in less than 3 seconds -- 0-100mph in less than 6 seconds
  Top speed in excess of 200mph
  All-electric running range in excess of 50km
  True-to-concept, lightweight, all carbon-fiber chassis
  Groundbreaking association with Williams F1 – built in the UK
  Direct technology transfer from top-level motorsport
  Prices from £700,000 depending on local market and taxes
  Exclusive limited volume hybrid supercar – only 250 will be built

Translating that price tag into dollars puts the vehicle's sticker price in the $1.2 to $1.5 million range.

Jaguar will be building the C-X75 in association with Williams F-1, to implement racing technology in the production vehicle, which may carry a different name. The concept car was built to commemorate Jaguar's 75th anniversary.

Jaguar not saying how many of the vehicles will be sold in the U.S. The goal of the vehicle is to show the technological capabilities of all Jaguar's.

"Confirmation of this project today signposts Jaguar Land Rover's continued determination to embrace new technologies," said Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr. Ralf Speth. "A supercar like the C-X75 is the logical choice to showcase cutting-edge design, intelligent use of new environmental technologies and motorsport-inspired performance."