Jaguar unveils XJ hybrid test car in U.K.

Jagaur will show off a plug-in version of its XJ sedan at the 2012 Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle event Sept. 5-6 in the U.K. The two-day exhibition showcases low-emission vehicles and other alternative powertrains.

Jaguar says that although it’s an engineering version, the XJ hybrid will go from 0-to-62 mph in less than 6.5 seconds. It uses a 2.0-liter, direct-injection, turbocharged four-cylinder engine for power—the same unit found in the Range Rover Evoque. An eight-speed transmission puts the power to the ground.

A 94-hp electric motor hustles the car along, with a 12.3kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged in four hours if you have a 240-volt outlet. Total output for the system is 334 hp.

Jaguar says the car can run solely on electric power, both sources or just on the gasoline motor. Total range for the hybrid on electric power is about 25 miles. With both power sources operating, total range is about 680 miles.

By Jake Lingeman