Jaguar unveils I-Pace concept 15 | 11 | 2016
THE JAGUAR I-PACE, designed by Scot Ian Callum and which will be officially unveiled as a concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show tomorrow, is the most radical car the company has launched in its 81-year history. The all-new battery-electric SUV catapults the brand into direct competition with Tesla with, what Jaguar calls a “no-compromise smart, five seat sports car and a performance SUV in one”.
The car will go on sale in 2018 at a price expected to be about 10-15% above that of an F-Pace of similar specification, although Jaguar remains tight-lipped on pricing.
“The I-Pace Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design,” Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, said. “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.”
The state-of-the-art electric motors and 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack were designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to give the best possible performance and range for most daily journeys.
By plugging car into a wall socket overnight, it have more than enough range to complete the average daily commute of around 50km.
For rapid charging, using a typical public 50KW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over two hours. That’s enough to deliver more than 220 miles range (measured on the US EPA test cycle) or more than 300-mile range (measured on the European NEDC test cycle).
The I-Pace has electric motors on the front and rear axles. Their combined output is 400PS and 700Nm of torque – the same torque rating as the F-Type SVR.
"Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions,” Ian Hoban, vehicle line director, explained. “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."
And Callum highlighted the attraction of the interior of the I-Pace.
“The interior of the I-Pace Concept is finished with beautiful, premium materials and an unwavering attention to detail,” the Scot continued. “Throughout the interior you will discover a host of beautiful details to surprise and delight.
“From the expansive panoramic glass roof to the sporting, beautifully finished seats, every feature bears the hallmark of British craftsmanship.
“And there is digital craftsmanship too, with two touch screens serving up information when and where you need it, limiting distraction and improving the driving experience”
Jaguar has sited the battery pack low between the axles which helps lower the centre of gravity. And by spreading the weight of the electric motors on to each axle it’s enabled a front-to-rear weight distribution of almost 50/50. The concept rides on 23in alloy wheels and bespoke 265/35 R23 tyres and uses electromechanical steering.
“It’s a true Jaguar,” said Mike Cross, JLR chief engineer of vehicle integrity. “This will be the first electric vehicle developed for enthusiasts who love driving.”
The I-Pace Concept’s four-wheel drive system is augmented by Jaguar’s familiar traction technologies, including All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) and Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR). The car will also have adjustable levels of regenerative braking force.
At 4680mm long, 1890mm wide and 1560mm tall, the I-Pace Concept is smaller in each dimension than the F-Pace. But significantly, it’s wheelbase is 2990mm, compared with the F-Pace’s 2874mm: it’s also 30mm longer than the XF wheelbase.
The absence of a transmission tunnel has also enabled Jaguar’s interior designers to incorporate an eight-litre stowage area between the front seats. There’s a 530-litre boot and an extra 28 litres of stowage under the bonnet.
Inside the cabin, the I-Pace Concept introduces a new cockpit design philosophy, essentially based around three display screens. The primary interface is a 12.0in TFT touchscreen, and the infotainment and climate functions are adjusted on a secondary 5.5in screen operated by two aluminium rotary controllers. Instrumentation is presented on a configurable 12.0in virtual cluster augmented by a colour head-up display.
The cockpit also has a new three-spoke steering wheel, which features multi-function capacitive switches that react with haptic feedback when pressed.
It’s also no surprise that the external colour scheme of the I-Pace concept mirrors that of the I-Type, Jaguar’s single-seat electric racing car which entered the FIA Formula E Championship this season.
Related: New Jaguar flagship for Taggarts
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Jim McGill