Jaguar Debuts Plug-In Hybrid 'Limo-Green' Concept

Hot on the heels of Fisker's announcement about fuel efficiency for its Karma sedan comes word of a new luxury vehicle from Jaguar that bears a few technological similarities to the Karma. Based on the Jaguar XJ, the new plug-in hybrid/extended-range electric concept has been dubbed the Limo-Green.

Not many specifics have emerged about the Limo-Green, but we do know something about its drivetrain. Created in conjunction with the British government, Caparo, MIRA, and Lotus, the Limo-Green derives power from a lithium-ion battery pack, which runs an electric motor capable of 195 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle has a projected range of about 30 miles per charge, after which an efficient 1.2-liter gas engine from Lotus kicks in to re-power the batteries. (Presumably that's the same Lotus engine that everyone's been talking about, which is set to debut in Frankfurt next week.) In this extended-range mode, the Limo-Green can manage 600 miles of travel per tank, or about 47 miles per U.S. gallon. That's slightly less than the Karma estimates, but as we all know, it's a brave new world when it comes to judging fuel economy. The Limo-Green tops out at around 112mph.

According to Jaguar's Anthony Harper, the Limo-Green will remain a concept vehicle for the moment: "The components aren’t at the right cost or quality yet you would expect of a Jaguar product, but the technology is there." However, the concept is fully functional and is expected to enter rigorous testing during the 2010 calendar year. It could launch as a new vehicle in the Jaguar lineup, or as a variant of the XJ. No word on when that launch might take place, but some suggest it could be as early as 2011. We'll keep you posted.

2009 Jaguar XJ Limo-Green Concept leakEnlarge Photo Hot on the heels of Fisker's announcement about fuel efficiency for its Karma sedan comes word of a new luxury vehicle from Jaguar that bears a few technological similarities to the Karma. Based on the Jaguar XJ, the new plug-in hybrid/extended-range electric concept has been dubbed the Limo-Green. Not many specifics have emerged about the Limo-Green, but we do know something about its drivetrain. Created in conjunction with the British government, Caparo, MIRA, and Lotus, the Limo-Green derives power from a lithium-ion battery pack, which runs an electric motor capable of 195 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle has a projected range of about 30 miles per charge, after which an efficient 1.2-liter gas engine from Lotus kicks in to re-power the batteries. (Presumably that's the same Lotus engine that everyone's been talking about, which is set to debut in Frankfurt next week.) In this extended-range mode, the Limo-Green can manage 600 miles of travel per tank, or about 47 miles per U.S. gallon. That's slightly less than the Karma estimates, but as we all know, it's a brave new world when it comes to judging fuel economy. The Limo-Green tops out at around 112mph. According to Jaguar's Anthony Harper, the Limo-Green will remain a concept vehicle for the moment: "The components aren’t at the right cost or quality yet you would expect of a Jaguar product, but the technology is there." However, the concept is fully functional and is expected to enter rigorous testing during the 2010 calendar year. It could launch as a new vehicle in the Jaguar lineup, or as a variant of the XJ. No word on when that launch might take place, but some suggest it could be as early as 2011. We'll keep you posted. [Autocar via MotorAuthority]

By Robert #1, Posted: 9/11/2009

The only thing better than a Jaguar is, well, a hybrid Jaguar! I've never owned a Jag (and probably never will due to cost) but they're certainly classy vehicles with a sexy look. Glad to see they're going green.
By StillAConcept #2, Posted: 9/11/2009

Too bad it's only a concept, those are a dime a dozen. "195 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque" is pretty respectable for an electric motor though. I'd go with replacing the gas tank, engine and all the other non electric stuff with more batteries. Pure electric is the way to go in my mind...
By Happy #3, Posted: 9/11/2009

That is a super strong car for a plugin
by Bengt Halvorson #4, Posted: 9/11/2009

Let's hope it comes with electronic plug-ins to sound like a '60s E-Type when in all-EV mode (or to drown out the drone of that little 1.2)...
by John Voelcker #5, Posted: 9/11/2009

Shows that despite its much lower volume, Jaguar is intent on playing with the big boys (BMW, Benz) and keeping its technology competitive. Encouraging!
by Nelson Ireson #6, Posted: 9/11/2009

Hard to go wrong with Lotus engineering, especially when you've got Tata and Jaguar backing it.
by Marty Padgett #7, Posted: 9/12/2009

So, a battery-powered Jaguar doesn't sound the least bit discomfiting to anyone?
By monroe #8, Posted: 9/13/2009

I guess we would just have to wait and see how this creation does. Anyway these are exciting times for the auto industry.
By Viknesh #9, Posted: 9/13/2009

Much more impressive than the hybrid S-Class and 7-series getting launched later this year, and much more exciting than the Volt too.
By Limo #10, Posted: 9/23/2009

I hope the new Jaguar limo really takes off, it will give a lot more class to the limousine sector and it needs it.