It’s already been a year since Jaguar signaled a radical strategy shift with the Type 00. The striking concept previews the brand’s move into higher-luxury territory by chasing Bentley rather than continuing to rival BMW. So why is the outlandish coupe back in the spotlight? No, it’s not because parent company Tata Motors is trying to distract us after reportedly sacking design chief Gerry McGovern earlier this week.
The exuberant Type 00 was parked in front of a fancy hotel in London to celebrate 90 years since the first car to bear the Jaguar name: the 1935 SS Jaguar. To mark the occasion, the polarizing EV was resprayed in London Red with a matte finish to make it stand out even more. Say what you will about how it looks, but it certainly knows how to draw a crowd.
It looks massively different from everything around it. From a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga to a Lamborghini Aventador SV and a Bugatti Chiron, the Chancery Rosewood five-star hotel doubles as a high-end auto show. Even so, the Jaguar Type 00 is by far the most eye-catching of them all.
That said, it’s a bit unorthodox for a year-old concept to come out of hiding. It would’ve made more sense to bring a near-production prototype, given how the official debut is likely only a few months away. The real thing won’t be as dramatic, as camouflaged prototypes have shown a flatter roofline and the adoption of rear doors.
It’ll be more along the lines of a sedan while keeping the imposingly long hood, despite not having a combustion engine underneath. Concept cars are purposely designed to make a splash, and for all intents and purposes, Jaguar managed to get the world talking about the Type 00. The controversial marketing campaign certainly stirred the pot as well.
As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it’ll be interesting to see how many people Jaguar can lure in. The company already knows it has alienated most of its customer base, with managing director Rawdon Glover saying only 15 percent of future buyers will be returning clients. Yes, 85 percent will be new to the brand.
The Type 00 and the models that follow will be far more expensive than the cars from the old guard. Glover announced in late October that the EV will start at around $130,000, or about the same as a Porsche Taycan 4S before options.
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Source: Jaguar
We were supposed to see the production-ready car before the end of this year, but its premiere has been pushed back to 2026. Deliveries are still expected to start before the end of next year. When it eventually hits the market, Glover claims it’ll “create a real visceral reaction.” He told ABC they’ve made “a car that has drama.”
In the meantime, Jaguar has discontinued all its previous models except the F-Pace, and even the gas-fueled crossover isn’t long for this world. Its days are numbered, as it’ll be axed in 2026, leaving this bold EV as the brand’s sole model. Additional models are planned, including an SUV, and all will be fully electric. Once the F-Pace is gone, it’ll mark the end of Jaguars with combustion engines.
Source:
Mayfair Car Scene / YouTube
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