The production-ready Jaguar I-Pace will be revealed next year and hit the road in 2018, but overnight Jaguar revealed an I-Pace concept… using virtual reality.
AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES used to be so much easier… a journalist would turn up and drive a vehicle, write about it and a punter would read the review and then might even go out and by the car. Not these days, and the reveal of the I-Pace concept in London is proof of that (more below).
Revealed using virtual reality and with a bevy of celebrities attending the event (there were more than 100 red carpet photos of people I don’t know), the production-ready I-Pace won’t be shown until next year. That said, the books are already open for potential customers to register their interest.
So, what is the I-Pace? Well, according to the press guff, “Jaguar’s engineering and design teams have torn up the rule book to create a bespoke electric architecture, matched with dramatic design. The result is a no-compromise smart, five seat sports car and a performance SUV in one”.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, adds: “The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.
“Our virtual reality reveal today has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car. We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal. For the first time, VR has allowed us share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible.”
Ignoring the hoopla around the reveal, the I-Pace offers a 90kWh battery pack boasting a range of 500km and which can be charged in just two hours using a 50kW DC charging point. Charging overnight from a conventional wall socket will give the thing enough juice for a 50km commute, Jaguar claims.
The I-Pace features electric motors on the front and back axle (making it all-wheel drive) putting out a combined 700Nm of torque, or the same amount as a Jaguar F-Type SVR. It’ll get to 96km/h in 4.0 seconds.
Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director said: “Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions. 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.”
As for the show itself, well, Jaguar claims it was the largest “live and connected” event of its type. And, proving that star-power will be key to moving cars like this, a staggering 66 A-list celebs showed up, including Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Kerr and James Corden.
Question: Does coming to market slightly behind Tesla’s Model X actually give Jaguar an edge?
