Xtreme KinematiX

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Xtreme KinematiX

We had to take our project down due to Jaguar's request of using their brand as a design case study, although this project was strictly a non commercial case study and for fun. Please note that this project is in NO WAY affiliated with Jaguar, and we are not responsible for any misprints or misinformation copied from this project. We were also asked by Jaguar to change our original disclaimer to this:
*Disclaimer: The concept vehicle designed by Skyrill.com and Marin Myftiu was not undertake in connection with or is in any way authorized by Jaguar Cars Limited.

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The Xtreme Kinematix concept is a new generation electric roadster, aimed at pushing both performance and power efficiency to a new level. This concept tries to revive the glorious design lines of the brand, combining fresh solutions, a unique, new aerodynamics, tailored around the electrical elements of the power system as well as cutting-edge energy feedback.

Inspired by the e-type from50 years ago.

One of the main challenges during the concept drafting was avoiding the heaviness associated with many of today’s muscle cars. The first inspirations came from classic Jaguar models. Like with the models of the golden era, we wanted to recreate a thin, elegant profile, but still showing off all the extra power and technological improvements. The solution was dividing the volume into two separate perceptive entities: one that “floated over” and transmitted the characteristic veil-like feeling, and another, below this layer, that spoke of all the power and adrenaline this car was capable of, which was translated into ample front and rear openings at the sides. The morphology of the lower part was the most important and is obviously the most distinctive compared to current roadsters; the delicate equilibrium of the large curves of the air intakes had at the same time to transmit aggressiveness, but still appearing light and ephemeral, giving the adequate perceptive lightness to the upper curves.

Another element added to the mix aside from the endless paths and delicate air movements was the feline factor. The side view of the vehicle was a deliberate metaphor of the leaping predator, while many frontal elements, culminating with the headlights, were carefully shaped to induce a pleasant adrenaline discharge by resembling the angry expression of an attacking feline.

Brand exploration

With its incomparable styling and elegant lines, the E-Type Jaguar is doubtlessly one of most attractive vehicles ever made. With a streamlined and elongated body, it’s widely considered as one of the most beautiful cars in the world, creating in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the distinctive jaguar roadster style.

After successfully following with the XK8 until early ‘90s, however, car design in general struggled to keep this evolutionary path and current sports models, with thick lines are today widely considered by the critics to have deviated from that glorious path that was first shown more than 50 years ago.

This, is partly due to an intricate array of reasons, but in large part it’s also the very nature of those stylish cars of the ‘70s; the minimalistic, flowing lines of the E-Type, are maybe the very perfection ofan automobile, almost entirely deprived of all the subtleties and excessive detail, they have very little to be improved. Just like the sculptural representations of Konstantin Brancusi, the E-Type represents somehow the very essence of an automobile, with almost total smoothness, the perfect balance of muscle and elegance, all embodied in a dreamlike shell that seems to stay afloat, hovering on some dense, invisible fluid which also shaped it’s very being.

Given the circumstances, is somehow a paradox to try to follow an evolutionary path that leads to something “better” than these masterpieces. However, a new, in depth study of some glorious Jaguar models, was in our view a chance to find that path again, looking for distinctive DNA traits of the model through the years. And applying current styling trends and standards, especially in the view of new body-forming techniques and new technologies, we started to envision the very inspirational successorof the E-Type and XK8 Jags, applying similar, stylish curves that run harmoniously from nose to tail, some of them uninterruptedly.

Sketches

Plans

Clays

Studio Renders

Mirrors

Another characteristic feature of the Jaguar XKX are the totally disappearing side mirrors. At about 1cm thickness, the mirrors perfectly fit the shallow hatch made in the door piece when the car is stopped and they unfold again in working position when it’s turned on. This adds to both the aesthetics, and protects the side mirrors from any damages when parked.

Aerodynamics

Given a much smaller and cooler power plant than conventional, the aerodynamics was conceived in a new innovative way. The side deflector intakes of the front were made broader, so a much larger amount of air does not get stuck by the engine, instead, it flows behind the front wheels, getting out behind them and sliding along the doors and then taking another shortcut through the rear wheels and out from the big rear openings, greatly reducing the total flowing path and subsequently drag.

Regenerative Power

Almost 60% of the energy used by a typical car at highway speeds is spent to counter air friction. Obviously, that is A LOT of energy spent for a function that is indispensable, but not the primary (to push the vehicle forward). The body of the XKX is covered by a layer housing microscopic ripples of piezoelectric cells, which, stimulated by the pressure of the air flowing over them (the actual air friction experienced by the car) produce electricity that is fed back to the vehicle’s battery, increasing both efficiency and performance.

Details

The XKX

We were asked by Jaguar to change our original disclaimer to this:
*Disclaimer: The concept vehicle designed by Skyrill.com and Marin Myftiu was not undertake in connection with or is in any way authorized by Jaguar Cars Limited.