Jaguar's New Jet-Powered Hybrid

By Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith

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Jaguar might not be the first to have developed a quality range extender in the past decade, but it will be the first to create a widely marketable modern turbine range extender to be used on hybrids. Although Capstone recently revealed a turbine concept at the 2009 LA Auto Show, it’s expected that Jaguar will be the first to produce it on mass scale if testing proves effective.

The British government provided Jaguar with $24 million to research and develop the turbine further. This isn’t the first time the British government has forked out cash to turbine research. In the 1950s, Rover developed a turbine-powered automobile, and although it was impressive at the time, the results today would be considered a failure. The Rover was not only expensive to build, but guzzled gas like a motor home today, running at 6 mpg.

Previous turbine powered vehicles such as the Chrysler Turbine got hit hard after its concept vehicle was put to rest. Jaguar hopes to stay clear from the flaws that the Chrysler encountered, such as high costs, which would ultimately lead to higher auto insurance premiums, poor fuel economy, and extremely hot exhaust. Its flaws simply outweighed the advantages.

But as Jaguar looks into the bright future ahead, the advantages that the turbine powered extender could bring to the market would be a major plus for luxury car drivers. Not only could the turbine be a revolutionary part to automobiles, it’s a major feature for drivers as it;s quieter and smoother than your average engine. For more details on the technology itself, check out our previous story by clicking here.

[Wired]