Jaguar gives controversial outlook on electric future
Jaguar itself refers to the Type 00 as an “unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar.” After the British company presented its controversial new logo without the iconic feline predator a few weeks ago, it now follows up with an equally polarising show car.
Jaguar says it “is recapturing its original ethos to ‘Copy Nothing’.”
As the premiere of the Type 00 at the Miami Art Week is primarily about the design, information on the technology is still sparse. The future production model will be based on the JEA electric platform and will have a WLTP range of 770 kilometres. The only other information provided by Jaguar is that it should be possible to recharge up to 321 kilometres in 15 minutes. And it will be a four-door GT.
If the production car looks similar to the study, the steep, massive front section is unlikely to optimise aerodynamics. Therefore, a battery with an estimated usable energy content of 110 to 120 kWh will probably be necessary to achieve the above-mentioned range – the less angular Mercedes EQS, for example, achieves 816 kilometres according to WLTP with a 118 kWh battery. In a footnote, Jaguar states that the 321 kilometres can be recharged in 15 minutes at a 350 kW charging point. Based on the estimated 120 kWh, this would correspond to 50 kWh in 15 minutes – or 200 kW as the average charging power in these 15 minutes.
Back to what is known: After Jaguar moved into the premium market with its previous combustion-powered saloons – i.e. as a competitor to Audi, Mercedes and BMW – the change to a purely EV manufacturer will be used to position Jaguar one step higher in the luxury segment – hence the new appearance with the different logo. “The magic of Jaguar is close to my heart – an original British luxury brand unmatched in its heritage, artistry and emotional magnetism,” says Adrian Mardell, CEO of parent company JLR. “That’s the Jaguar we are recapturing and we will create the same sense of awe that surrounded iconic models like the E‑type”
The Type 00 is intended to be nothing less than the “physical manifestation of Jaguar’s new creative philosophy.” The design thus deliberately broke with some of the conventions of electric car design – for example, by keeping the front as short as possible to maximise interior space. The long bonnet is thus intentional. Even the carmaker emphasises its ‘copy nothing’ ethos, the front end is somewhat reminiscent of state limousines or luxury models from Rolls-Royce.
The special position of the Type 00 in the company’s history is also reflected in its name: The prefix ‘Type’ refers to the origins of the brand and the legendary E-type. “The first zero references zero tailpipe emissions. The second represents its status as car zero in our new lineage,” says Jaguar.
Of course, polarising show cars are primarily intended to generate attention, and Jaguar has already received a lot of this attention with the discussion about the new logo alone. However, anyone hoping the subsequent production model will be much more conventional and sold primarily in black or silver should not get their hopes up too much.
“Our presence at Miami Art Week emphasises Jaguar’s purpose as an advocate for art and creativity in all its forms,” says Rawdon Glover, Managing Director of Jaguar. “We know that art is a passion point for our future clients, so what better way than to go and talk to them directly, at one of the world’s premier art festivals.”
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