Scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar has announced its new C-X16 concept - a compact, lightweight and pure two-seater sports car, to directly rival the Porsche Cayman. It's powered by a supercharged 3-litre V6 and Formula 1-style hybrid system, with a combined power output of around 470bhp.

C-X16's V6 engine is actually a development of the 5-litre V8 currently found in the XF, XJ and XK. It will utilise direct-injection technology and a twin-vortex supercharger to provide a power output of 375bhp with a respectable 165g/km CO2 figure.

Jaguar has coupled this engine to an all-new electric motor, which then forms an integral part of the car's eight-speed transmission. It draws power from a battery pack located behind the seats, which uses regenerative braking to re-charge. Press the KERS-style 'go-faster' button on the steering wheel and you can make use of the extra 94bhp on demand.

To keep the overall weight down, Jaguar has built the car around an all aluminium structure, similar to that of the bigger XK. The batteries and electric motor have been packaged in a way that means the C-X75 has a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution; measuring in at just 4445mm long, it's the smallest Jaguar since the XK120.

Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar, commented: 'Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.'

Whether the car will make production has not yet been confirmed, but it is highly likely. Jaguar's plans will be revealed when the concept is fully unveiled on 13 September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With interest in Jaguar Coupés thriving in 2011 thanks to the 50th anniversary of the E-type, news of the the C-X16 comes at a great time.

Octane Magazine will be featuring the C-X16 in the November issue, on sale 28 September.