Jaguar reveals its most advanced and efficient electric race car

Jaguar says the new third-generation car, called the I-TYPE 6, is “lighter, stronger and faster” than its predecessor, with a top speed of 200mph (320km/h).

Britain’s largest carmaker, owned by India’s Tata Motors, is aiming to become an all-electric car brand by 2025 as part of outgoing boss Thierry Bollore’s ambitious “reimagine” strategy.

The group as a whole aims to be carbon neutral by 2039 and wants to transfer technology from its Formula E ventures.

“It’s not about moving hardware. It’s about building a body of knowledge,” said Thomas Muller, its executive director of product engineering.

Developments in areas such as engine and battery management are likely to be most useful for the shift, he told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the new Formula E car in London.

Muller pointed out that the needs of racing and road cars are significantly different, and the I-TYPE 6 focuses on delivering “instant power”.

Still, he added, the car is “vital” to the company’s 2025 goal of going all-electric.

The brand currently has just one all-electric car, the I-Pace, with the next model in the range and Land Rover’s first all-electric model due in 2024.

The automaker has experienced turmoil recently, with Bollore resigning “for personal reasons” in mid-November.

Meanwhile, a global shortage of semiconductor chips has forced it to cut output in the UK.

Fluctuations in raw material costs and availability also continue to weigh on the manufacturer, which has posted losses every year since 2019.

Jaguar competed in Formula 1 from 2000 to 2004 and has been involved in Formula E since 2016.

Its New Zealand driver, Mitch Evans, was runner-up in the World Championships last August.

First published date: December 1, 2022 at 09:08 AM CST