The revenge of tougher fuel economy regulations is on full display at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the debut of the Jaguar I-Pace concept – a frumpy electric vehicle that runs counter to Jaguar’s low and sleek design practices. This is a production preview of the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be revealed next year and on the road in 2018.
The five-seat sports car allegedly has the performance of an SUV. Ian Callum, Director of Design, said, “The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.”
Well, not from where we sit.
The 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 commutes.” For rapid charging, using a public 50kW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over two hours. This might be enough to deliver an estimated 220-mile range as measured on the US EPA test cycle.
The I-PACE has electric motors on the front and rear axles. Their combined output is 400 horsepower and 516 lb. ft. of torque – the same torque rating as the decidedly better looking F-Type SVR. The I-PACE Concept accelerates from 0-60 mph in around four seconds.
