Jaguar gave the new...

Jaguar gave the new striking new XJ its debut in Frankfurt тЂ“

and a 1.2-litre model could be on the horizon. No, thatтЂ™s not a mistake, the luxury

British car maker is about to start testing its new saloon fitted with a tiny hybrid petrol

engine, which could pave the way for it to join the brandтЂ™s trademark 5.0-litre V8 and 3.0-litre diesel powerplants in the line-up.

The Limo-Green project is funded by the UKтЂ™s

Technology Strategy Board, a collaboration between car manufacturers Jaguar and Lotus, vehicle technology firm Caparo and

MIRA, the Motor Industry Research Association. Instead of powering the car"s wheels directly, the small three-cylinder engine is

actually used to generate electric power to drive the vehicle. It should be capable of 0-60mph in less than eight seconds and have a range of 620 miles.

Engineers testing the XJ mule are targeting combined fuel economy of up to

50mpg and CO2 emissions of around 120g/km, and while the Limo-Green programme

is likely to remain a prototype for the time being, Jaguar is committed to

providing green power within its range of luxury models. It is currently working to develop stop start technology for its automatic models.

The new XJ hits showrooms early next year with a choice

of V8 petrol and 3.0 diesel engines. All models come with a panoramic roof and virtual instruments as standard. Prices start at ТЈ52,500 for the standard wheelbase 3.0-litre

V6 diesel Luxury model while the flagship 5.0-litre V8 supercharged long-wheelbase

version costs ТЈ88,000.