Jaguar product planning boss Hanno Kirner believes the
instant torque and power found in a hypothetical I-Pace SVR could be too much
for untrained drivers. While he stopped short of confirming a high-performance
version of the electric crossover, he made it clear such a vehicle is on the
table.
Kirner told Autocar in a Tuesday report that an I-Pace SVR would
likely be capable of reaching 60 mph in 1.8 seconds, but engineers also want to
prioritize handling—not just headline-grabbing specs.
"Once you’ve done it once or twice, and lost your eyes
in the back of their sockets, you might not want to do it again," he said.
Tesla has already made plenty of headlines in recent years
for offering hypercar levels of acceleration with the Model S and Model X
electric cars. The 2020 Tesla Roadster will also allegedly reach
60 mph in 1.9 seconds.
The product planning chief envisioned some sort of power
restriction for a potential I-Pace SVR. Kirner said the vehicle could reduce
power for a driver until he/she has attended a driving course or some other
instruction. Although Jaguar hasn't committed to such a model, the brand's top
brass certainly do like to talk about the idea of one.
Last March, Kirner first expressed interest in building
an I-Pace performance variant. At that time, he also said there remains a
possibility for other I-Pace models, including an off-road or more luxurious
version. Kirner echoed the sentiment in the latest Autocar report.
"There is probably more than one route we could
take," he said. "But there is definitely space for a performance
electric car or cars."
John Edwards, head of Jaguar Land Rover's personalization
and performance arm, also hinted earlier this year that Jaguar will eventually
develop a full range of
performance-oriented electric cars.
The British luxury brand will also take the I-Pace racing in
its own one-make series held before Formula E open-wheel electric-car
races.
source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1116964_proposed-jaguar-i-pace-svr-could-be-too-quick-for-untrained-drivers
by Sean Szymkowski
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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