Jaguar C-X75: The Ultimate Fusion of Road Power and Track Precision

New ROAD&TRACK BEAST - The Jaguar C-X75 has finally become a road-legal supercar, 14 years after its debut as a futuristic concept. First introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the C-X75 captured global attention with its impressive engineering and sleek design. Originally, Jaguar intended to put this high-performance car into production, targeting a powerful hybrid system combining a 1.6-liter twin-turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors to generate an astounding 888 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. 

Ian Callum transforms the Jaguar C-X75, blending advanced technology with a luxurious, redesigned interior for a powerful, modernized revival. (Picture from: Autocar)

However, the ambitious project faced an abrupt halt when Jaguar’s leadership deemed the timing unfit for launching an €800,000 supercar amid a period of global financial uncertainty. But the story of the C-X75 was far from over. Despite its brief setback, the C-X75 soon found itself in the limelight once again when it appeared as the villain's car in the 2015 James Bond movie Spectre, driven by Mr. Hinx, a character portrayed with calculated menace. 

The first Jaguar C-X75 road-legal version by Callum made its first public appearance in April 21, 2024, at the Bicester Scramble car meeting in Oxfordshire. (Picture from: BicesterHeritage.co.uk)

For this cinematic role, Jaguar enlisted Williams Advanced Engineering to create several stunt versions of the C-X75, featuring a modified chassis and a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine instead of the concept’s hybrid system. The stunt car allowed the C-X75 to perform dramatic, high-speed stunts that showcased its versatility and eye-catching design, reigniting enthusiasm among car aficionados worldwide.

The Jaguar C-X75 was further enhanced by Callum with reduced panel gaps, a smoother carbon fiber exterior, and refined suspension for an improved ride. (Picture from: Autocar)

Following the filming of Spectre, one of these stunt cars was acquired by an unnamed collector who was captivated by the idea of making the C-X75 roadworthy. The collector commissioned Callum, a design and engineering consultancy led by famed automotive designer Ian Callum, to adapt the stunt car for road use. This process required significant modifications to ensure the car met UK regulations for road safety and functionality. 

The revamped Willow Green C-X75 features an upgraded interior inspired by luxury hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron and the Tourbillon, adding sophistication to its design. (Picture from: Autocar)

Changes included the addition of quieter exhausts with catalytic converters, E-marked glass, and genuine wing mirrors to replace the lightweight foam props used in the film. Callum also focused on reducing panel gaps, smoothing the carbon fiber exterior, and refining the suspension for a smoother ride. Additionally, an active aerodynamics package, including an airbrake, enhances stability at high speeds, while a hydraulic nose lifter eases driving over bumps and rough roads.

The revamped Jaguar C-X75 steering wheel was machined from a billet and the leather upholstery was sourced from renowned Scottish firm Bridge of Weir. (Picture from: Autocar)

The re-engineered C-X75 made its first public appearance in April 21, 2024, at the Bicester Scramble car meeting in Oxfordshire, thrilling spectators and affirming its place in automotive history. Callum’s engineering director, Adam Donafresco, described the road-legal C-X75 as a unique blend of performance, nostalgia, and cutting-edge design. This meticulous transformation allowed enthusiasts to witness the car’s unique charm, typically reserved for on-screen action, up close.

The road-legal Jaguar C-X75 by Callum features a luxurious green and cream interior, upholstered in premium leather from Scotland’s renowned Bridge of Weir. (Picture from: Autocar)

Not only did Callum succeed in creating a road-ready Jaguar C-X75, but the team also took steps to restore much of the high-performance functionality that the car would have boasted had it entered mass production. This included Callum’s own in-house control software, which offers drivers two driving modes, switching seamlessly between a street-friendly setup and a high-performance track mode. The track mode optimizes throttle response, sharpens gear shifts, and fully opens the exhaust for a thrilling, race-inspired experience. 

The road-legal Jaguar C-X75 by Callum is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, now paired with a modern seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. (Picture from: Autocar)

The revamped Willow Green C-X75 also boasts a refreshed interior that draws inspiration from luxury hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron and Tourbillon. Three compact touchscreens, with Apple CarPlay compatibility, line the center console in a sleek vertical stack, while key controls are strategically positioned on an overhead console. Designed for both functionality and elegance, the interior features leather from Bridge of Weir, an esteemed Scottish supplier known for its premium quality. The steering wheel, crafted from a single billet, adds to the car’s bespoke feel, while small details like refined door seals contribute to a driving experience that’s as comfortable as it is exhilarating.

the road-legal Jaguar C-X75 as a unique blend of performance, nostalgia, and cutting-edge design. (Picture from: Autocar)

Balancing luxury features like air conditioning and an upgraded audio system with the rugged performance expected of a supercar posed a rewarding challenge for the Callum team. Their efforts culminated in a vehicle that not only upholds the legacy of the C-X75 but also allows for daily usability without sacrificing its aggressive sound and feel. For Ian Callum, transforming the C-X75 into a road-ready car was a satisfying accomplishment, describing it as the realization of a vision that nearly slipped away.

Today, the Jaguar C-X75 stands as a testament to innovation and resilience in automotive design, embodying the high aspirations and skillful engineering that brought it from concept to reality. Now road-legal, this one-of-a-kind supercar serves as a bridge between its cinematic heritage and a new life as a rare gem on the road. The C-X75 is not only a tribute to Jaguar's storied past but also a reminder of the dreams and possibilities that drive the world of automotive engineering forward. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | TOPGEAR | BICESTERHERITAGE.CO.UK ]

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