Sport Car Picture

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

The 2011 Jaguar Sport cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept is a team effort between Jag and Bertone and serves as way for Bertone to celebrate its 99th Anniversary. The new compact Jag's name is a melding of the company's first initial and its age. Bertone says the concept is a design study in what it calls "dynamic imbalance" between parallel lines and "leaping forms."

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

The 2011 Jaguar Sport cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept result is a compact, four-door sedan (4.5 m long, 1.35 m tall, 1.95 m wide, 2.8 m wheelbase) that fits perfectly into the D segment. Starting with a classic three-volume architecture, Bertone designers have shaped the taut, muscular body with bold yet refined character, entirely constructed with handmade aluminum panels in true Italian "coachbuilder" tradition. The unique personality of the luxury sports sedan is emphasized by the sophisticated minimalism outside and in, underlining the true nature of the British authenticity where understatement equals exclusiveness.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

In terms of technological innovation, the 2011 Jaguar Sport cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept uses a pure hybrid power system designed and developed by Bertone Energy (the newest Bertone division dedicated to renewable energy research), including a thermal engine for range extension and two electric motors which provide propulsion for the rear wheels. Bertone has been studying ecologically sustainable powertrain systems for the past twenty years, with many examples including full-electric "extreme" concept cars like the 1992 Blitz or 1994 Zer record car, which was the first full-electric car to break the 300 km/h speed barrier in the world. With the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept, Bertone establishes a new record in its 99 year history as the only Italian designer to have created five different Jaguars.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

These renderings of the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept have been leaked ahead of its official debut March 1st at the Geneva Auto Show, giving a hint at how Jaguar intends to style its new entry-level luxury sports sedan. According to recent reports, however, this new model won’t be the first new Jag to debut, with a rumored XE compact sports car planned for next year.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Measuring 4.5 meters long, 1.95 meters wide, and 1.35 meters high with a 2.8-meter wheelbase, the B99 has the dimensions to make a run at the luxury sport car segment. That is if the car ever makes it to production.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

So when talking about powertrains, the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept blows the top-level 3-Series out of the water with the latter’s 4.0-liter V8 engine with 414 horsepower compared to the B99’s 1.4-liter gas engine combined with the two 150 kW motors, producing a total of 570 horsepower. Conversely, the Mercedes C-Class also falls short in the engine department compared to the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept with its 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

"Performance through innovation" is one of Jaguars slogans, and today more than ever powerful sports cars must find new responsible ways to offer both high performance and ecological sustainability. The 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept is powered by a modular, Extended Range Hybrid system which futuristic utilizes twin 150kW (204 Cv) electric engines connected to the inboard side of the rear axle for propulsion and a lightweight 1.400 cm3 thermal engine producing 125 kW-170 Cv for range extension, giving a combined power output of 425 kW or 570 Cv. The thermal engine charges the Lithium-ion batteries while driving allowing for a theoretical range of 700 kilometers of highway driving between fill-ups with a carbon dioxide output of around 30 g Co2/km. The 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept can also travel in full electric mode offering zero emissions for 100kms.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Designed by Bertone’s chief of design, American Michael Robinson, the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept blends shapely surfacing with powerful proportions. “It is a typical Jaguar,” says Robinson. The classic cat-inspired rear haunch lends itself to Jaguar’s heritage, and the C-pillar is much more formal than that of the current Ian Callum- designed XJ and XF models. The B99 also sports a bit of concept car showmanship with its rear-hinged suicide doors and B-pillarless cabin.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Despite the shapely body concours, there is little else in the way of ornamentation save for the chrome window surrounds, front fender vent and Jaguar “leaper” on the hood. Bertone characterizes this as a “minimalist luxury sports sedan.” It is a nice blend of tradition and modernity.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

That tradition is also apparent in the interior’s large swaths of wood veneer and leather. The stylish cabin would help the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept command luxury prices, while at the same time allowing its clientele to feel socially responsible as a result of the unique powertrain.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

UPDATE 03/08/11: According to Automotive News, Jaguar was not impressed by the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept and will not put it to production: "It is not our concept. We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around. It’s not that we are offended by it, or against it — it is just not for us." Jaguar has plans to enter new market segments by 2014, but this will be done with their own work: "We have concepts all over the place. A lot of work has been done," said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director.