Jaguar Slams Lexus Hybrid: Inefficient!

Developing a hybrid model nowadays seems to be a key task for automakers out there and Jag makes no exception to the rule. But the company is apparently more concerned to talk about its rivals' systems rather than concentrating on its very own technology - which by the way is expected to debut on the XJ limousine by 2011. Jaguar's chief engineer Kevin Stride said Lexus' approach on hybrid models is somehow uncanny, taking into account that on their own models an electric unit is only used to help petrol powerplant.

Basically, a hybrid system would be more efficient if the electric unit is the one which predominantly drives the car, being recharged every once in a while by the adjacent gasoline or diesel engine, said Kevin Stride according to drive.com.au.

“To me, that seems inefficient because a petrol engine isn’t as efficient as an electric motor. You want your most efficient motor driving the wheels,” he said. “Technically it’s not the right option, but commercially it has been the right answer because it has done wonders for the perception of their brand."

Furthermore, relying on an electric unit could also bring a boost in engine performance, he said. “In terms of driveability, there is a case for electric motors because they produce maximum torque from zero revs."

Jaguar is currently working on a hybrid version of the XJ, with some media reports claiming the first models are expected to debut by 2011. Just like in the case of the long-praise Chevy Volt, the Jaguar hybrid system would use an electric unit plus a gasoline or diesel unit that would supply power once the electric counterpart needs it.