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The electric Jaguar I-PACE Concept has made its European motor show debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
The I-PACE Concept car is the start of a new era for Jaguar, previewing the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle. This is a production preview of the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be on the road in 2018.
Jaguar’s engineering and design teams have created a bespoke electric architecture, resulting in a five-seat sports car, a family car and a performance SUV all in one.
Jaguar’s teams have taken full advantage of the opportunities presented by electrification: a cab-forward, sporting driving position, exceptional interior space and zero tailpipe emissions and instant acceleration. The battery pack and motors have been designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover to deliver outstanding efficiency.
With more than a 300 mile range on the NEDC cycle, the average user could charge just once a week. Charging is easy and quick, with 80 percent charge achieved in 90 minutes and 100 per cent in just over two hours using 50kW DC charging.
Jaguar claims that the I-PACE Concept features “exceptional ride quality, authentic handling and a 0-60mph time of around four seconds”.
The I-PACE Concept features two compact electric motors. Integrated into the front and rear axles, they offer a combined power output of 400PS and 700Nm of torque, which is the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR. Together they also enable all-wheel drive, improving dynamics and traction on all surfaces and in all weathers.
“Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions,” says Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director at Jaguar Land Rover. “Their superior torque delivery compared to internal combustion engines transforms the driving experience. With 700Nm and the traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the I-PACE Concept accelerates from 0-60mph in around four seconds.”
The I-PACE Concept delivers searing performance, unrivalled ride and handling characteristics. To achieve this, it uses the sophisticated double wishbone and Integral Link suspension set-up proven in the XE, XF and the F-PACE.
An electric brake booster replaces the normal vacuum servo, ensuring maximum flexibility in the brake system control and maintaining excellent pedal feel.
The I-PACE Concept’s electric motors and lithium-Ion battery are designed to deliver the best possible performance and range.
With plans in place to take Jaguar Land Rover’s three vehicle manufacturing plants in the UK close to their operating capacity, the I-PACE will be manufactured at Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz, Austria. With more than 100 years’ experience, Magna Steyr has extensive contract manufacturing expertise working with many car manufacturers globally.
Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said: “The I-PACE Concept is a radical departure for electric vehicles. It represents the next generation of battery electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing design – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA matched with beautiful, premium details and British craftsmanship.
“This isn’t just a concept. It is a preview of a five-seat production car that will be on the road in 2018. This will be Jaguar’s first-ever battery-powered electric vehicle and opens a new chapter in the history of our legendary brand.”
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled three new vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show – the Range Rover Velar, and ‘Project Hero’, a bespoke humanitarian version of the Land Rover Discovery, in addition to the Jaguar I-PACE Concept.
Jaguar Land Rover is working towards a cleaner future, with ultra-clean diesels and petrol engines, BEVS, PHEVs, MHEVS all in its strategic plans. By 2020 the company will offer customers the option of electrification on all its new cars.
You can register now at jaguar.co.uk to be one of the first I-PACE owners. We recommend you do this!
