Within hours of Jaguar unveiling its I-Type 1 Formula E race
car, a test mule for the automaker’s first production electric car has been
spotted.
The test mule is based on the F-Pace SUV but on closer
inspection you’ll notice the grille opening at the front is a different shape
and there are no longer air vents at either side of the front bumper. The
wheelbase has also been stretched.
Crucially, our photographer confirmed that the vehicle was
almost silent as it drove past his camera lens.
The new SUV, which may end being called a J-Pace, is thought
to be one of two
electric cars Jaguar is planning for the coming years. The other is a
sedan.
The SUV will take on Tesla Motors’ [NSDQ:TSLA] Model X as
well as Audi’s upcoming Q6
e-tron.
The sedan is thought to be coming with a sleek, coupe-like
design, allowing Jaguar’s next XJ to take on a more conventional three-box
design. The sedan will rival the Tesla Model S as well as a similar electric
sedan planned by Mercedes-Benz and a possible electric version of the next Audi A7.
Crucially, the new SUV and sedan will offer styling that’s
distinct from the rest of the Jaguar range, as well as the option of a hybrid
powertrain to help boost their appeal.
It was only last year Jaguar together with sister brand Land
Rover unveiled
a series of technology demonstrators that came in mild hybrid, plug-in
hybrid and electric flavors (shown above). The plug-in hybrid and electric
demonstrators were based on Range Rover Sport SUVs, while the mild hybrid setup
was based on a Range Rover Evoque. However, since then, we've heard Jaguar is
to focus on electric cars while Land Rover focuses on hybrids.
A debut of Jaguar’s electric SUV should take place in 2018
or the following year. It’s likely we see a concept well before then.
Note, Jaguar is also working on an SUV smaller than the
F-Pace. This one has also been spotted in test mule form and
is thought to be called the E-Pace.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1104588_jaguar-electric-suv-spy-shots
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuroepean.com
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