Jaguar Concept Cars

1. 2010 Jaguar C-X75

The mid-engined C-X75 supercar is the most forward-looking, most jaw-droppingly gorgeous Jaguar ever created.

The 2010 Jaguar C-X75 represents a blend of innovative technology, breathtaking design, and environmental consciousness. It was unveiled to celebrate Jaguar's 75th anniversary, hence the '75' in its name.

Its design is a nod to Jaguar's rich history of beautiful cars but with a forward-looking approach, showcasing what the future of performance cars could be. The car features a stunningly futuristic design with a low, sleek profile, butterfly doors, and a highly aerodynamic body that blends aesthetic appeal with functional design to optimize airflow and reduce drag.

Originally, the C-X75 was planned to have a radically innovative powertrain – a combination of electric motors and a micro gas-turbine engine. The gas turbines were intended to generate electricity to extend the car's range and power the four electric motors, one at each wheel, allowing for all-wheel drive. This setup aimed to deliver breathtaking performance with minimal environmental impact, highlighting Jaguar's commitment to sustainability without compromising on power.

The concept promised astounding performance figures, including a 0-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds, a top speed in excess of 200 mph, and a purely electric range of 68 miles before the turbines kicked in to extend the range.

Although the original turbine-electric powertrain didn't reach production, the C-X75's development continued with a more conventional hybrid approach. Jaguar partnered with the Williams F1 team to create a limited number of C-X75 prototypes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors. This setup retained the car's impressive performance credentials, offering a top speed of around 220 mph and a 0-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds.

2. 2004 Fuore Design BlackJag

An exhilarating design study that fuses the spirit of Formula One with the values of the traditional British Jaguar brand.

The 2004 Fuore Design BlackJag is a one-off concept car that exemplifies a blend of high performance and unique design. Fuore Design, a Barcelona-based design studio known for its bold and innovative automotive concepts, unveiled the BlackJag at the Geneva Motor Show as a showcase of their design prowess and vision for a high-performance sports car.

The car's bodywork is characterized by flowing aerodynamic contours, a pronounced front grille, and an assertive stance that emphasizes its performance-oriented nature. While the Fuore Design BlackJag was primarily a design study and not a fully functional production model, it was envisioned with impressive performance specifications.

The concept proposed a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, powered by a potent V10 engine speculated to produce in excess of 600 horsepower. This powertrain would theoretically enable the BlackJag to achieve remarkable acceleration and a top speed that would place it among the elite supercars of its time.

The Fuore Design BlackJag was not intended for production but rather served as a testament to the design studio's creativity, innovation, and ability to conceptualize a high-performance vehicle that combined artistic design with engineering excellence. As a concept, it offered a glimpse into the future possibilities of sports car design and continues to be remembered for its bold styling and the design inspiration it provided.

3. 1998 Jaguar XK 180

A stunning concept car that showcased Jaguar's design language and previewing elements of the upcoming XK8 model. 

The Jaguar XK 180 is a concept car that was introduced by Jaguar in 1998, specifically designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar XK120. This car showcased Jaguar's craftsmanship, design innovation, and performance capabilities, serving as a tribute to the brand's rich heritage while also hinting at future design directions.

The XK 180 was designed by the Jaguar Special Vehicles team in conjunction with the company’s styling department under the leadership of the then Design Director, Geoff Lawson. The car featured a retro-futuristic design, blending classic Jaguar aesthetics with modern design cues. Its bodywork was crafted entirely from carbon fiber, contributing to its lightweight profile, and it was finished in a distinctive blue color that complemented its elegant lines.

The exterior boasted a long bonnet, a short rear deck, and pronounced wheel arches, embodying the essence of a classic sports car with a contemporary twist. The interior was just as impressive, featuring luxurious leather upholstery, brushed aluminum accents, and state-of-the-art technology, all tailored to exude comfort and sophistication.

Under the hood, the XK 180 was equipped with a supercharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, similar to the one found in the contemporary XKR models but enhanced for the concept. This powertrain was capable of producing around 450 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to deliver exhilarating performance. It was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, which was tuned to offer both smooth cruising capabilities and responsive, sporty dynamics when required.

The concept car featured advanced chassis and suspension technologies, including adaptive damping and a sophisticated braking system, ensuring that its handling was as impressive as its straight-line speed. The XK 180 was said to be capable of achieving 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, with a top speed estimated at around 180 mph, living up to its name.

Although the Jaguar XK 180 remained a concept and never entered production, its influence was significant. It demonstrated Jaguar's commitment to blending performance with luxury and served as an inspiration for future Jaguar designs, especially the upcoming XK8.

4. 2013 Jaguar Project 7

A thrilling homage to the D-Type... The Project 7 is a glorious throwback: loud, raw, sexy and a touch intimidating.

The 2013 Jaguar Project 7 is a high-performance, bespoke sports car that was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This car is a modern interpretation of Jaguar’s rich sporting heritage and specifically pays homage to the Jaguar D-Type, a legendary race car that won the Le Mans 24-hour race three times in the 1950s. The "7" in its name signifies the seven total victories Jaguar achieved at Le Mans.

The Project 7 was based on the contemporary Jaguar F-TYPE, retaining the basic structure and design but with significant modifications. It featured a distinctive fairing behind the driver’s head, reminiscent of the D-Type. The car’s design incorporated a shorter windshield and a new front bumper, and the use of carbon fiber for the aerodynamic elements accentuated its performance-oriented nature.

The exterior was finished in a striking blue paint, echoing the classic racing Jaguars, with a white racing stripe and number roundels that contribute to its motorsport-inspired look.

Under the hood, the Jaguar Project 7 was powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, the same found in the high-performance versions of the F-TYPE. However, for Project 7, the engine was tuned to produce 550 horsepower, enabling it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). The car featured Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and torque vectoring by braking, providing exceptional handling and agility.

The Project 7 wasn’t just a concept; it paved the way for the F-TYPE Project 7 that was later put into limited production. The production version carried over much of the design and performance ethos of the 2013 concept, making it one of the most exclusive and potent Jaguars ever made.

5. 1967 Bertone Jaguar Pirana

The Bertone Jaguar Pirana (or Piranha) is a distinctive one-off concept car that melds British engineering with Italian design flair.

Commissioned by John Anstey, editor of the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, the Pirana was conceived as an ideal grand touring car, combining the luxury and performance of a Jaguar with the stunning aesthetics characteristic of a Bertone design. The car was meant to be fully functional and practical for everyday use, not just a showpiece.

The Pirana was designed by Marcello Gandini, who was at the helm of Bertone’s design studio and is famed for his work on cars like the Lamborghini Miura and the Lancia Stratos. Gandini’s design for the Pirana featured a sleek, low-slung body with a long hood and a short rear deck, encapsulating the essence of a grand tourer but with a distinctive Italian touch. The design included unique elements like a glass roof panel and electrically operated doors, which added a futuristic appeal to the car.

Underneath its bespoke bodywork, the Pirana was based on the Jaguar E-Type Series 1 2+2, utilizing its chassis and mechanical components. It was powered by Jaguar’s 4.2-liter inline-six engine, which was capable of producing around 265 horsepower. This engine was paired with a manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. The car was equipped with disc brakes at all four corners, ensuring it had the stopping power to match its performance.

The interior of the Pirana was as luxurious as its exterior was striking, featuring high-quality leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a sophisticated stereo system. Its 2+2 seating configuration ensured that the grand tourer was practical, offering space for additional passengers or luggage, making it a versatile vehicle for long-distance travel.

The Bertone Jaguar Pirana debuted at the 1967 Earl’s Court Motor Show in London and was later displayed at several other prominent auto shows, including in New York and Montreal. Although it was initially intended to gauge public interest for potential limited production, the Pirana remained a one-off concept.