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Sunday, December 22, 2024
Sunday December 22, 2024
Sunday December 22, 2024

Ian Callum reinvents the Jaguar C-X75: A luxurious tribute to a lost supercar

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The new commission transforms the James Bond stunt car into a cutting-edge masterpiece, merging advanced technology with opulent design.

In a striking blend of nostalgia and innovation, Ian Callum’s design consultancy has unveiled a second road-legal Jaguar C-X75, celebrated as a “satisfying conclusion” to a vehicle that never reached its full production potential. Originally designed by Callum and unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the C-X75 was tragically shelved in 2012 due to economic challenges. However, its legacy was immortalised as the menacing vehicle of villain Mr Hinx in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre.

This latest iteration of the C-X75 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, featuring enhancements that restore the performance and luxury expected from a car of its calibre. The original C-X75 was initially planned to utilise a hybrid powertrain with a twin-charged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, but the stunt cars created for Spectre were instead equipped with a robust supercharged 5.0-litre V8, mounted on a tubular spaceframe chassis designed by Williams Advanced Engineering.

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Callum’s consultancy has meticulously modified one of these stunt cars to make it roadworthy, while simultaneously reviving the advanced capabilities the C-X75 was intended to offer. The new model features custom control electronics and software that provide two distinct drive modes: one for everyday use and another for track performance, enhancing exhaust notes, sharpening gear changes, and improving throttle response.

One of the standout features of this reimagined supercar is its active aerodynamics system, which optimises stability at higher speeds and includes an airbrake for efficient deceleration. Additionally, a hydraulic nose lifter has been incorporated, allowing the car to navigate speed bumps and potholes with ease, further enhancing its practicality as a daily driver.

A modern seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox now couples with the supercharged V8 engine, ensuring that performance remains exhilarating while delivering a smoother driving experience. The exterior has been meticulously refined, painted in a striking Willow Green, with realigned body panels to minimise gaps and redesigned rear lights for improved light diffusion.

The interior showcases a complete transformation from the original stunt car’s barebones setup to a luxurious cockpit reminiscent of high-end models like the Bugatti Chiron. The cabin features three vertically stacked touchscreens equipped with Apple CarPlay and intuitive dial controls, complemented by a unique roof-mounted console for essential functions, including the ignition button.

The bespoke steering wheel is crafted from a solid billet, while the luxurious upholstery is sourced from Bridge of Weir, a prestigious Scottish leather manufacturer known for its quality. “Integrating features like air conditioning and premium audio, while balancing noise, vibration, and refinement, posed formidable challenges that were met with thrilling ingenuity,” remarked Adam Donafresco, engineering director at Callum’s consultancy.

Ian Callum expressed his sentiments about the C-X75, stating, “This was the one that got away—an incredible car full of unrealised potential. By merging the desires of the customer with thoughtfully engineered solutions, we have brought the C-X75 to the conclusion it always deserved.”

The culmination of Callum’s vision and the advancements made in this new iteration of the C-X75 serves not only as a tribute to what could have been but as a statement of what the future of Jaguar could hold. This car stands as a beacon of engineering excellence and luxury, reigniting the dream of the C-X75 in a form that is both contemporary and profoundly connected to its roots.

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