Futuristic Jaguar B99 Concept by Bertone at 2011 Geneva Auto Show

13 years, 7 months ago - 3 March 2011
Futuristic Jaguar B99 Concept by Bertone at 2011 Geneva Auto Show
by Drew Phillips/AOL
Jaguar has been mulling the idea of taking another challenge at the respected BMW 3 Series after its last attempt, the underwhelming X-Type, failed in spectacular fashion. This is the other try.

The Jagaur B99 concept is a collaborative effort between Jaguar and Bertone and serves more for Bertone to celebrate its 99th Anniversary. The new compact Jaguar's name is a melding of the company's first initial and its age.

Bertone says the concept is a design study in what it calls "dynamic imbalance" between parallel lines and "leaping forms."

It represents not only Bertone's new direction and a possible answer to the ubiquitous 3 Series, but a big leap in terms of technology. The B99 is powered by an all-new extended-range hybrid drivetrain designed by Bertone to run on two electric motors whose batteries can draw a charge from a small onboard engine. Bertone says they've been looking into sustainable energies for the last two decades and the B99 is the top of that evolution chain.

Bertone also presented a race car iteration of the B99 Concept, saying it is working on a GT2 version of the B99 in hopes of proving the car is not just a pretty face.