The Art of Luxury Issue 34 2018 | Page 16

E-LECTRIC ! JAGUAR CLASSIC WILL BUILD ZERO-EMISSIONS E-TYPES

Following an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the original concept for ‘ the most beautiful electric car in the world ’, Jaguar Classic has confirmed it will offer allelectric E-types for sale . The news follows the iconic EV sports car ’ s successful debut in concept form at Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest in September 2017 .
Combining its restoration expertise with cutting-edge technology from the Jaguar I-PACE , the award-winning zero-emissions performance SUV , Jaguar Classic will offer tailor-made
E-types restored and converted to electric power at the same Classic Works facility as its outstanding E-type Reborn restorations in Coventry , UK .
An EV conversion service for existing E-type owners will also be offered . To preserve the authenticity of the base vehicle , the EV conversion will be fully reversible .
Tim Hannig , Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director , said : “ We ’ ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept . Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic .
“ E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type , and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works , while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover ’ s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business , including Jaguar Classic .”
Technical specifications and pricing details will follow , but Jaguar Classic is now taking expressions of interest from potential
16 The Art of Luxury Issue 34 2018
E-type Zero clients . Deliveries of the first electric E-type vehicles are expected to start from summer 2020 .
Jaguar E-type Zero concept
The Jaguar E-type Zero concept not only drives and looks like an E-type , it also offers outstanding performance , with quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type .
Jaguar Classic is targeting a range in excess of 170 miles for all-electric E-types , helped by the car ’ s low kerb weight and sleek aerodynamics . The concept is powered by a 40kWh battery , which can be recharged in six to seven hours , depending on power source .
Apart from its state-of-the-art powertrain , modified instrumentation and fascia showcasing the latest touchscreen infotainment ( which will be available as an option ), the E-type Zero concept is largely original . Efficient LED headlights complement the iconic Series 1 design .
An electric powertrain with single-speed reduction gear has been specially designed for the E-type , utilising many Jaguar I-PACE components . Its lithium-ion battery pack
has the same dimensions , and similar weight , to the standard E-type ’ s six-cylinder petrol XK engine and is in the same location .
The electric motor lies just behind the battery pack , in place of the E-type ’ s gearbox . A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive .
Using an electric powertrain with similar weight and dimensions to the outgoing petrol engine and transmission means the car ’ s structure , including suspension and brakes , has not changed , simplifying the conversion and keeping the driving experience in line with the original vehicle . It drives , handles , rides and brakes like an original E-type with front-rear weight distribution unchanged .
The latest iteration of the E-type Zero concept , finished in a Bespoke Bronze paint finish , will give the car its US debut at The Quail : A Motorsports Gathering on Friday 24 August .
Prospective clients invited to contact Jaguar Classic with expressions of interest via : zero @ jaguarlandrover . com / + 44 ( 0 ) 203 601 1255 / www . jaguar . com / classic