Jaguar C-X75 Concept

There's a lot to the name of the Jaguar C-X75. The C stands for concept, X for experimental, and 75 for Jaguar's 75th anniversary, which the storied British brand is celebrating this year. Too bad they didn't sneak a T in there, for Turbine. Because this compact two-seat sports car debuting at the 2010 Paris show takes a unique approach to propulsion compared to the recent onslaught of eco-friendly supercars.

The highlight of the C-X75's powertrain is a pair of micro-turbines that act as diesel-fed range extenders designed to help keep the car's battery-powered EV motor turning the wheels. According to Jaguar, it's the best of all worlds: the high-end performance enthusiast's desire, but with fuel economy, emissions, and range that even the most frugal compact hybrid would struggle to match. The C-X75 also makes dramatic statements in the style, materials, ergonomics, and vehicle dynamics departments

Jaguar HQ challenged the C-X75 project team to come up with a unique alternative propulsion approach. There would be no V-8 hybrid like the Porsche 918, or a pure EV like the Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell or Audi R8 E-Tron. Although C-X75's approach is similar in scope to the Chevrolet Volt in that the concept can move under electric power alone, it's the range-extending part that's radically different.

Instead of fitting a traditional engine to the car like the Volt does to power a generator to deliver juice to the battery pack, the C-X75's diesel-powered, water-cooled turbines charge the batteries while the car is underway, and unlike the Volt, the turbines can provide power directly to the system to further boost acceleration when needed. The C-X75 is powered by four electric motors, each weighing roughly 110 pounds, which combine to produce a whopping 780 horsepower, along with an amazing 1,179 pound-feet of torque available from the moment you mash the pedal. The micro-turbines, which themselves generate roughly 95 horsepower each, sip from a 16-gallon diesel tank, and Jaguar claims an EV-only range of roughly 68 miles. As with the Volt, the C-X75 can be hooked up to any power supply to charge the battery. Charging times vary depending upon the power supply, but average about 5 hours.

2015 Lotus Eterne

A Lotus sedan? Yes, indeed. For 2015, Lotus' Eterne will rival the Aston Martin Rapide, housing a 550-horsepower engine shared with the Esprit up front. The structure, panels, and suspension are all aluminum and with a length of 196 inches, the Eterne is said to be almost as spacious as a Porsche Panamera.

As with the Esprit, a hybrid option could come in the future, bringing a 50-hosepower electric boost to the equation, along with plenty of eco-tech. This car is still years away from production, but we expect more details to be announced on a regular basis until its launch.

Hyundai ix35 Hybrid Concept

Hyundai showed a slew of its environmentally friendly vehicles at the Paris Motor Show this week, which included the ix35 Blue and ix35 Hybrid Concept. Both utilize Hyundai's new 1.7-liter diesel engine that produces 115 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. As evidenced by its name, the Hybrid concept also employs an electric motor to further decrease consumption although the five-kilowatt (seven horsepower) unit can't propel the vehicle on its own.

Both the ix35 and ix35 Hybrid concept also feature Hyundai's latest six-speed manual transmission, meaning that should the hybrid version make it to market, Honda's CR-Z won't be the only hybrid available with a manual transmission. Both versions of the ix35 also employ an engine start/stop feature.

Start/stop systems work seamlessly with automatic transmissions, but may require manual transmission users to change their driving style. The system works by killing the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the driver has the car in neutral with the clutch out. It then refires the engine the instant the clutch is depressed -- which is similar to the system Audi introduced on its A1.

In addition to frugal drivetrains, the fuel efficient Blue and Hybrid versions of Hyundai's ix35 crossover feature subtle aerodynamic changes to further decrease drag. Of course, a logo on the back identifies the models should the subtle exterior cues not be enough.

Citroën Lacoste Concept

Citroën and clothier Lacoste have teamed up for a compact concept car destined for the Paris Motor Show, and it's called the Citroën Lacoste.

The concept is clearly intended for those aiming to live an active lifestyle as exemplified by its open-air nature. The Lacoste measures in at 136 inches long, 71 inches wide, 60 inches tall, and comes with a 91-inch-long wheelbase. It's suggestive of a futuristic buggy as the T-shaped roof support structure offers an air-inflatable soft-top roof. The windshield can be lowered like a Jeep Wrangler and the interior design is said to take on the styling of the iconic Lacoste polo with the coloration and specific weave patterns on the seating. The rear seats can be jumped into from the outside and the two-spoke steering wheel is modeled after the Citroën emblem.

Obviously, the tire choice must be French as well as the Michelin name is proudly plastered on the sidewalls. With such a small overall package, the gas-powered inline-three should more than suffice.