What many consider the most beautiful car in the world, the Jaguar E-type, is getting another modifier — the most beautiful electric car in the world as the company revealed plans to restore and convert existing models to full battery electrics.
The move comes after an “overwhelmingly positive reaction” to the iconic brand’s initial concept last year. Officials say that the first E-type EVs, called the E-type Zero, will be available in summer 2020.
“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,” said Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director.
The restoration/conversions will be completed by the Jaguar Classic, the company’s unit renowned for bringing back tired and worn out E-types back to their former glory. The unit will combine what it already knows and combine it with the technology from the I-Pace to create the classic EVs, if you will.
(Electrifying Jaguar I-Pace sets a benchmark even Tesla will have to clear. Click Here for the story.)
The restorations will be done at its Classic Works facility where the current E-type Reborn restorations are completed 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.
“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,” Hannig noted.
The new models, aside from an option to get a touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard, will be largely original inside and out, Jaguar notes. The cars are powered by a 40-kW battery that they expect will get at least 170 miles to a single charge. The batteries can be recharged in as little as six hours, depending upon the type of charger.
(Click Here for more about the new Jaguar I-Pace.)
An electric powertrain with single-speed reduction gear has been specially designed for the E-type, utilizing many I-Pace components. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions, and similar weight, to the standard E-type’s six-cylinder gasoline-powered XK engine. The batteries are located where the gas engine used to be.
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.
(To see more about Jaguar Land Rover’s plans for off-road autonomous vehicles, Click Here.)
Pricing information was not released at this time nor were any performance specs, such as 0-to-60 mph or a top speed.
