Skip to main content

Jaguar production C-X75 to feature jet engines after all

Jaguar-plans-to-implement-limited-amount-of-originally-envisioned-micro-turbine-powered-jet-engines-in-production-C-X75
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bringing concept cars to market isn’t an easy thing to do. Thinking outside the proverbial automotive box doesn’t always come naturally for every automaker, either. But when you have a history with concepts like Jaguar does — it isn’t all that surprising to learn that the house that brought you the XJ 220–a refreshing and impressive car, even by today’s standards–is at it again with another revolutionary concept. And like its beloved and beleaguered predecessor, it’s making its way to production.

A drive down memory lane

For a very brief automotive refresher, back In 1992 Jaguar began to produce what was at the time the world’s fastest car (217 mph), the XJ 220. The Jaguar XJ 220 originally began life as a concept vehicle debuting at the 1988 British Motor Show, but due to overwhelming acclaim and demand was converted from concept to production and rolled out of the factories four years later. The original concept used an extremely powerful quad-cam 6.2-liter version of Jaguar’s V12 engine. The name “XJ 220” was used as a reference to the vehicles intended top speed of 220 miles per hour.

Recommended Videos

After feasibility tests were conducted by Jaguar and the green light given to produce the car a number of alterations were made. Gone was the concepts impressive V12 engine in favor of a smaller, but still powerful V6 twin turbo, two-wheel drive instead of the original all-wheel drive, and a slightly reworked form factor with a sticker price of $580,000.

Jaguar-XJ-220
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When Jaguar announced in 1989 that it would limit production to only 350, many rushed to place orders, among those that put down deposits were spectators hoping to turn a profit once the limited numbers of cars were released and demand increased. This proved problematic for Jaguar down the road and caused many, due in part to the global economic recession of 1992, to attempt to back out of their intention and commitments to purchase the XJ 220, which in turn lead to more than a few litigation proceedings between Jaguar and these disgruntled customers.

While the Jaguar XJ 220 was an automotive and engineering success, it wasn’t the great paragon of financial success the company had hoped for.

Jaguar-C-X75-Profile-Road
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fast forward to today Jaguar and things aren’t all that different. Having survived bankruptcy and changing ownership from Ford to Indian company Tata Motors, the luxury and performance icon of British auto world is at it again, making headlines for all the right reasons.

Cool your jets

Last year, Jaguar announced that its jaw-droppingly beautiful C-X75 would make the leap from concept to production. Apart from its dashing good looks, the C-X75 was of note because of its twin micro-gas turbines that would be utilized to charge the supercar’s four electric motors batteries. Impressively, these four electric motors were designed to produce 195 horsepower at each wheel.

When making that announcement, Jaguar was sure to include the fact that the turbines would not be coming along for the ride. Or so we thought. In a recent Auto Express article , it now appears that while the vast majority of C-X75’s will feature a modified hybrid drivetrain consisting of a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, a very limited amount will include the originally designed micro-turbines. According to Jaguar, these small jet engines will deliver about 95 horsepower to each of the car’s rear wheels, and in conjunction with the rest of the cars planned power supply, help the C-X75 sprint to 60 in about three seconds.

Jaguar-C-X75-Front-Road
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course as the old saying goes, “all good things come to those who wait” and sadly it looks like we may be waiting a bit until the C-X75 hits the market, but in the meantime, we can’t help but feel Jaguar has an innovative and, above all, worthy successor to its automotive legacy, much like it had with the inspiring XJ 220.

Amir Iliaifar
Former Associate Automotive Editor
Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more