Tata motors isn’t wasting much time with its recent acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford , already planning to develop hybrid systems for most of the vehicles. Today’s reports have full-blown hybrids from the brands going on the UK roads by 2012, while some green technology could launch as early as 2010.
The hybrids will feature one of two engines: a 3.0 liter diesel, which will be based on the 2.7 liter oil-burner used in the UK in the new Jaguar XF , among others, as well as a direct-injection gasoline V8 displacing 5.0 liters.
According to Autocar, the V6 will make its debut alongside a stop-start system in the Land Rover Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport SUVs and the Jaguar XF and XJ sedans in 2010. The mild setup should net a 10 percent boost in fuel economy. A step up from this system that could also see production by 2010 involves a super-capacitor system that would be able to recharge the battery under engine braking.
Moving up the price range, Jaguar’s flagship XJ sedan would be the first to sport a full hybrid system, which would also involve an all-new eight-speed ZF transmission designed for stop-start and fuel-saving capabilities in mind. Like Mercedes-Benz ’ S-class hybrid that is due for an unveiling later on this year, the transmission is likely to use ZF’s Dynastart electric motor in place of the torque converter. If Tata decides to go ahead with this, look for a 2012 release.
