When luxury automakers first introduced premium hybrid automobiles many years ago, cynics were quick to call the cars as merely en vogue and discounted the segment for its tiny niche market.
Now, there's no question that hybrid vehicles of virtually all categories are here to stay. Only days after Jaguar unveiled its latest F-Type sports car, the British marque has confirmed that the new two-seater might get an advanced hybrid drivetrain if such a demand in the market exists.
Jaguar vehicle line director Ian Hoban said, "The concept was used for two things. First, it was used to showcase the design of hte car. Second, it was used to showcase technology."
As evident, the final production design closely mirrors what we first saw when Jaguar unveiled the F-Type concept. As for Jaguar's technical showcase, Hoban said, "We do have that technology. We have a range of different alternatives, but the world hasn't made up its mind yet. We are ready to deploy them when we decide what the right solution is." Responding to a production hybrid F-Type, Hoban answered succinctly, "I wouldn't rule it out."
Perhaps the largest concern is whether the focus towards fuel efficiency will cause a conflict of interest to the F-Type's original objective to car enthusiasts with a visceral driving experience. The added weight that comes with accommodating electric motors and lithium-ion battery cells stand to significantly disturb the handling characteristics of a standard F-Type. That said, Jaguar is also in the midst of developing the hybrid C-X75 halo supercar, further demonstrating the automaker's commitment to alternative energy.
On the subject of driving pleasure, the automaker has previously confirmed that the F-Type will introduce a new manual gearbox for Jaguar as well. Just how far will the F-Type transform the future Jaguar line-up? Stay tuned as we expect Jaguar to make more major announcements in the months ahead.
