Jaguar and Williams F1 collaborate for C-X75 technology
In a groundbreaking partnership, Jaguar has enlisted the help of the Williams Formula 1 team to create the technology to be used in the production C-X75.
At today's announcement that a production version of the C-X75 will hit the roads in late 2013, CEO of Williams F1, Adam Parr told CarAdvice that Williams will be putting its all into this car.
"There will be nothing that we will hold back from this car," said Mr Parr. "We will be putting everything we have into it. It will be at the limits of what we can do, and really, the limits of what anyone has done in a road car."
Alex Burns, CEO of Williams F1 was equally confident that the partnership will be beneficial for Jaguar.
"Williams is, at its core, an engineering company, and so everything we learn will be going into this car," said Mr Burns.
This is evident in the drivetrain, which is derived from F1 technology, with a turbocharged engine, combined with electric motors, mirroring future F1 drivetrains. Williams will also design active aerodynamics for the car, as well as refine the existing design of the car to ensure its drag co-efficient is as good as it can be.
Adam Parr said that future Williams F1 cars will be able to run on pure electric power in pit lane, just like the C-X75 which can run for 50kms on electric power alone.
Williams will also supply its composite structure material experience for the C-X75, to ensure weight is kept down. Mr Parr also said that Williams battery technology will go straight into the car.
"Costs [for batteries] are coming down, which is good. Regardless, energy storage is the number one issue in terms of energy efficiency and recycling," Mr Parr told CarAdvice. "There's no shortage of energy buzzing around, but storing it is the key. I think Formula 1 and what we're doing here with the C-X75 is redefining what's possible for the future."
Sir Frank Williams, co-founder of the Williams Formula 1 team was on hand today to give his blessing to the new partnership.
"Today's announcement is a real privilege for me, and above all, for the Williams company," said Sir Frank. "I think the marque of Jaguar is a world-class brand and has enormous prestige all around the world. These cars are much desired and very successful in their present state."
"We sincerely hope we can deliver what we have promised and we will deliver the best technology we possibly can."
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