Jaguar’s Bold Move: An Electric-Only Future
Jaguar is making a definitive move towards an all-electric future, with no room for gas or hybrid powertrains. In an interview with Autocar, Jaguar’s managing director, Rawdon Glover, explained the reasoning behind this dramatic shift and offered a glimpse at the upcoming all-electric GT, potentially named the I-type. This decision signals a significant change for the British automaker, leaving behind its past and embracing a future dominated by electric vehicles.
“We made the decision back in 2021 to have an electric architecture dedicated to us. There isn’t the opportunity to put a V-8 into it or something else,” Glover said.
Glover highlighted the “Jaguar Electric Architecture”, stating that it is not designed to support any other powertrain. He is confident in the growth of the EV market, anticipating technological advancements and infrastructure improvements that solidify EVs as the future. This strong commitment comes at a time when other manufacturers are rethinking their EV strategies.
The I-type GT: Performance and Design
The upcoming I-type GT promises impressive performance. Glover revealed that he reached 160 mph on a test track in the top-tier version of the car, which boasts 986 horsepower. According to Glover, he described the experience as the “most fun I’ve had” in the role.
Despite its power, the I-type GT will not be a sports car. It will embrace a grand touring philosophy, designed for confident, extended driving experiences.
In terms of design, the production version of the I-type will maintain a strong visual connection to the Type 00 concept, with a similar long hood and front fascia design. The rear taillight design will feature horizontal lines, which Jaguar calls the “Strikethrough.” The I-type shares electric motors and batteries with other JLR models, a strategy that will help to control costs.
Timeline and Pricing
While previous reports suggested a late 2026 launch, Autocar now indicates that Jaguar plans to unveil the car by the end of 2024, with production starting in mid-2026. The starting price is now estimated to be around $128,000, significantly lower than the initially expected $200,000. The I-type will be the first of three new models, with a large sedan and an SUV to follow.
