You may already know that Jaguar is preparing for the launch of the XE in 2012. Next to the V6 and V8 engines, the XE chassis will also be offered with a gas sipping 3 cylinder gas/electric hybrid version, set up similarly to Chevrolet’s upcoming Volt EV. The first concept version of this forward thinking hybrid sports car should make its Auto Show debut sometime in 2010; with this model Tata aims to compete directly with other electric roadsters builders like Tesla and Fisker.

Expect the 2011 XE Hybrid to be powered by a lithium ion battery pack, as opposed to today’s nickel based energy storage devices. The small displacement motor will act mainly to recharge the batteries which they will run off of most of the time, just like General Motors’ car of tomorrow. Good news for the petrol heads in the audience, the traditionally powered modern day E Type is expected to have Jaguar’s new 5.0 Litre V8 engine, making 385 HP, while a 510 HP supercharged version is expected to make an appearance under the range topping sport model.

This electrifying news comes after a report back in April that said Jaguar had an electric Jaguar XJ in the works for 2010, in which the now Indian owned company could benefit from a sizable sack of cash from the British Government.

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