‘Most beautiful car’, the Jaguar E-Type, goes electric
Jaguar Land Rover announces the return of the classic model – a battery-operated, emission-free version known as the E-Type Zero – which is revving up to hit the roads in the summer of 2020, with a top speed of 150mph
A car stormed the electric auto market at last week’s Quail Motorsports Gathering, not with super figures and breakthrough, but simply its beauty and legacy.
All true car lovers are familiar with the Jaguar E-Type, which first hit the road in 1961, and which the late Enzo Ferrari eulogised as “the most beautiful car in the world”. Indeed, it is also no secret that Jaguar Land Rover’s ambition was to convert the legendary sport car – which is powered by a DOHC six-cylinder engine – into an electric one. It was showcased as a concept car last year.
The E-Type Zero – the ‘Zero’ signifies no emissions – will be produced by Jaguar Land Rover’s Classic division in Coventry, England.
Powered by a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the new car offers a performance comparable to the 1960s original, reaching 62mph in just 5.5 seconds – one second quicker than a Series 1 E-Type – and a top speed of 150mph. The maker expects a driving range of over 170 miles.
Thanks to its similar dimensions and weight to the original 6-cylinder DOHC engine, the E-Type Zero’s battery is fitted in the same location, with the electric motor sitting just behind, in place of the four-speed gearbox.
Not only has Jaguar Land Rover tried its best to keep the front-rear weight distribution – and therefore the driving dynamics – of the new car identical to the original, it has also retained the same monocoque construction and structure, suspension and brakes unchanged.
