New Jaguars

Jaguar has patented the words C-XJ and C-XE. What this means for us looking through the British pussycat’s cage is that two new concepts will soon be unveiled to the public. The one is of course the new 2011 XJ big daddy leaper which has been extensively spied on a number of occasions already. The second one is XE. Lots of guesses on this one, but a likely candidate is a smaller XK, something of a Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4 rival perhaps? Or just a step below XK, say something to rival a 911 instead. The X would be Jaguar’s way of labeling its cars, and the E stems from the classic E-Type. Others contend that it’s the X-Type replacement. We know that Jaguar parent Tata is interested in ramping up models of the big cat in the coming ten years or so, and that the current fuel crisis is forcing all auto makers to look much more closely into cutting fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions. Jaguar so needs a small car programme and this could be the sports car answer to that question. Such a car could conceivably be built in England, but don’t count India out. Although both Jag and Tata insist there are no immediate plans to manufacture on the sub continent, the agreement that stipulates this is not a closed one, and does in fact, expire in a few years’ time, which could pave the way for Jaguars and Land Rovers to be at least assembled from CKD (completely knocked-down) units cost-effectively in India.

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New BMW 7 series active Hybrid

BMW has released initial details for its 7-Series ActiveHybrid Concept which will make its world debut in Paris. Described as a mild hybrid, the 7-Series uses a small electric motor, developing 15 kW/20 hp and peak torque of 210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft., integrated in the transmission housing essentially replacing the drag inducing auxiliary components such as the alternator and starter motor. Electrical energy is generated through Brake Energy Regeneration system and stored in a high-performance lithium-ion battery located in the luggage compartment. In this mild hybrid setup, the positioning of the electric motor in the transmission aids in the efficiency of the auto start/stop function.

Additionally, the energy yield produced by the electric motor through Brake Energy Regeneration alone exceeds normal standards by roughly ten times. Such electrical power output provides ample energy to run auxiliary components such as air condition and infotainment systems and not off the alternatorwhich draws energy directly from the combustion engine reducing its overall efficiency.

The engine is based on the N63 direct injection 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 unit already seen in the 750i and X6 xDrive50i producing 300 kW/407 hp, with peak torque of 600 Newton-metres or 442 lb-ft. In mild hybrid form, the result is 15 percent less fuel consumption and emissions (in the EU test cycle) versus a combustion engine only equivalent. BMW plans to start production of two models with ActiveHybrid technology in 2009.

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Lamborghini Urus Four door coupe concept set for paris motor show

Last week Lamborghini teased the world with a couple of small detail images of a mystery concept set to be unveiled. It is true most of us were left scratching our heads analysing what little evidence we were presented with, but the usually reliable folks over at autonews have confirmed with its inside sources that it will be a four door coupe. To top that off we can also reveal it will be called Urus (meaning large cattle) after Carspyshots user erzhik uncovered Lamborghini had registered the name with the trademark office.

The model will not only be a concept, but a preview of a production model that is in the pipeline, it represents a huge gamble for the supercar maker, diversifying their business model to compete in a formidable battle with the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera.

The Gallardo and Murcielago model lines sport a rear engine setup, but this new four-door will place its engine at the front of the vehicle, just behind the front axle. It is believed the Gallardo's 5.0-liter V10 power unit may struggle to fit into the smaller engine bay meaning we may see a new engine unit with a smaller displacement introduced.

Lamborghini apparently plans to sell 3,000 units of the four-door coupe each year, a figure which would send their annual sales figures through the roof. In the first half of 2008, Lamborghini sold just 1,309 vehicles.

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