Jaguar Reportedly Developing Volt-Like Extended-Range Hybrid Sports Car

The global economic crisis may force Jaguar to postpone production of its XE two-seat roadster beyond its hoped-for 2011 Geneva show debut, but the sports car will be fitted with a Chevy Volt-like powerplant when it does make an appearance.

That according to a report by Motor Trend, which says an electric motor with an extended-range three-cylinder gas engine is being engineered for the new-age E-Type.

Whether that powerplant would be in addition to Jaguar's conventional 5.0-liter and supercharged 5.0-liter V8s is unknown, as is whether the extended-range XE will make it beyond the concept stage.

Also unclear is whether the electric XE would be in addition to an extended-range electric XJ said to be scheduled for introduction in late 2011 (a year after the conventional XJ's release).

Ratan Tata, whose company bought Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Company, is said to support the XE's development. His father once owned a Jaguar XK120, and Tata told Autocar earlier this year, "We need to emerge with something shiny and new, which is why we are reprioritizing the roadster right now."

In addition to the Volt, an extended-range electric XJ would likely give the Fisker Karma some competition.

Posted by

Scott Doggett June 16, 2009, 1:19 PM

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Auto Shows, Chevrolet, Emissions, Fisker, Ford, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Land Rover, Plug-ins and Electric, Tata

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Chevrolet Volt, Fisker Karma Plug In Hybrid, Hybrid, Jaguar Roadster, Jaguar XE, Jaguar XJ, Land Rover