Mounted upfront is a 3-litre supercharged V6 producing 280kW and 450Nm of torque. It is a cut-down version of the 5-litre V8 already found in the XFR, XKR and XJ Supersports and features the latest direct-injection technology as well as a twin-vortex supercharger for more precise boost control and lower fuel consumption.
Supplementing the V6 is an electric motor, producing 70kW and 235Nm of torque. This is bolted to the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and draws its power from a lithium-ion battery pack behind the seats.
The motor has three jobs: to help the petrol engine and improve fuel economy; to provide an electric-only mode for short distances but with a top speed of 80km/h; and - primarily - to let drivers live out their Formula One fantasies by delivering an extra burst of power when it's required.
The latter is similar to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (Kers) fitted to Formula One cars. A graphic lights up on the dash display when the batteries have sufficient charge and the power boost is available.
All the driver has to do is hit the "push to pass" button, and the C-X16 provides an additional slug of torque for up to 10 seconds.
Jaguar's official figures are zero to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 300km/h. Yet fuel consumption is quoted at 6.8 litres/100km (41mpg), while the car claims 165gr/km CO2 emissions - numbers helped by the inclusion of the stop-start system seen on the 2.2-litre XF diesel.
The C-X16 is 4445mm long, or 98mm shorter than the Porsche Cayman, and a full 349mm shorter than its XK big brother.
But it's at least 150mm wider than the XK, 911, Cayman and Aston Martin V8 Vantage, as well as lower than all but the Aston. Said Callum: "Of all the Jaguars I've ever designed, this is the one I want to own most."
The C-X16 makes use of the firm's current design language, so it sits neatly next to the XJ, XF and XK. But the rounded-off grille is taken from the C-X75 concept, as are the tail-lights, which extend around the car's corners.
Distinguishing the front end are twin air intakes either side of the grille, while at the rear, a wide, flat deck is another element seen on the C-X75.
Crafted 21-inch alloys, with carbon fibre fins, fill the arches, and red LED lighting on the front flanks adds a splash of colour to the gunmetal paintwork.
Callum couldn't resist a nod towards the E-Type, either, in the shape of the side-hinged rear screen, which exposes the hybrid module and a load deck.
In an attempt to improve the aerodynamics, the machined aluminium door handles sit flush with the bodywork, but pop out when they sense the motion of your hand.
No wings or spoilers clutter the bodywork - downforce is provided by a subtle front splitter, a rear diffuser and side sills.
All these parts are made of carbon fibre - but most of the credit for keeping the car's kerbweight down to 1600kg (60kg lighter than the XK) goes to the aluminium chassis and bodywork.
Reports say the C-X16 will be priced in Britain from about £50,000 ($96,600).
