Here’s Jaguar’s electric racecar, debuting in new Formula E series 2018
Jaguar is going to build a special racing version of the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace, which will compete in a brand new electric car race series.
The big news from Jaguar out of this year’s IAA 2017 motor show is the announcement of a brand new electric racing series – eTrophy. Jaguar says that eTrophy will be a support series for the FIA Formula E championship, and describes it as the “world’s first international championship for production-based electric cars”.
As eTrophy is a support series, all races will take place on the same weekends as the same city circuits as the core Formula E races, with Jaguar’s offering set to begin in late 2018. It’s similar to how the Porsche Supercup series supports the main Formula One races, for context.
Speaking about the announcement, Gerd Mäuser, Chairman of Jaguar Racing, said: “Jaguar returned to racing in 2016 with the mission ‘Race to Innovate’. With the launch of the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy we have strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport and Formula E.”
But that’s not all; Jaguar has also announced a dedicated racing version of the Jaguar I-Pace, aptly named Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy.
The Jaguar I-Pace SUV was first unveiled back in 2016 at the Los Angeles motor show, and is Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle. It’s still not available, but Jaguar currently slates the motor for release in the second half of 2018.
The racing version will be built by the team at Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in Warwickshire, UK, and will feature reconfigured suspension, a roll-cage, and a rear spoiler.
“We’ve always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track – this is the proof,” said Mäuser. “I am looking forward to seeing a full grid of Jaguar I-Pace racecars in late 2018, soon after the first Jaguar I-Pace hits the road in Europe.”
He added: “Ultimately, this innovative series will enhance the technology in our future electric vehicles and benefit our customers.”
Both announcements come just days after Jaguar Land Rover revealed that all new models launched by the firm from 2020 and beyond would utilise either a fully-electric or hybrid drivetrain. It’s a decision made partly in response to the UK government’s decision to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars from 2040.
Related: Jaguar E-Pace
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
