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7 years ago

THE JAGUAR #01

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In this issue we return to top level motorsport but not in a conventional way, and by doing so accelerate the development of our electric powertrains. In tandem, we introduce our Jaguar I-PACE Concept vehicle - a revolutionary new model available to reserve now for delivery in 2018.

FORMULA E E-STREET

FORMULA E E-STREET FIGHTERS FOR SUCH A LITTLE CAR, THE JAGUAR I-TYPE CARRIES A LOT OF EXPECTATIONS. AS JASON BARLOW FOUND OUT, IT’S TASKED NOT ONLY WITH PUTTING JAGUAR BACK ON THE PODIUM, BUT WITH INSPIRING A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF ELECTRIC JAGUAR VEHICLES – STARTING WITH THE I-PACE CONCEPT Jaguar is the creator of some of the most soul-stirring internal combustion engines in automotive history. But the company is also embarking on a radical new electric mission, and by getting involved with the rapidly evolving Formula E global electric race series, the communication couldn’t be clearer. It means it. “Formula E is an innovative series with competitive, close racing in front of urban audiences. It develops EV tech and helps change the perception of electric cars,” says Gerd Mäuser, Panasonic Jaguar Racing Chairman. “Electrifcation is the future,” Jaguar’s Group Engineering Director Nick Rogers adds. Team Director James Barclay is charged with directly surmounting the new challenge for Jaguar, building the whole team to operational fitness at each race, and masterminding strategy. “We’ve been looking to return to motorsport for a while, but it had to be for the right reasons,” he says. “Formula E is going to become a very interesting championship, and it’s a great proving ground for EV technology. We wanted to come in with a full program, so we could control our destiny. There are still many pluses to doing a sports car program, but this is a bolder step, and also a step into a new technology. We want to be a leader in this field.” To which end, the team has appointed Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as a technical partner. One of a handful of top-line names involved in this bold racing initiative, Williams has supplied the batteries that power every car on the grid since the series’ inception in 2014. Williams, of course, is Formula One royalty. But mastering the science of F1 has led to tangential competencies in other industries and disciplines. F1 is essentially a two week problem-solving pressure cooker, and with its focus on lightweight, hi-tech materials, the spin-offs are multifarious. “Williams wants to be in motorsport, and we want to be in the most technically advanced and challenging parts of motorsport,” explains Paul McNamara, Technical Director at WAE. “Energy-efficient performance is our mantra as an engineering organization, and we’re building high-performance, high-power, high-storage batteries that will go on the road. Formula E has provided a great platform for evaluating the technology. A racetrack provides a very clear and understood test regime. We can push the boundaries.” And what racetracks they are. Formula E’s city orientation – with Hong Kong, Marrakech and New York as three thrilling new venues for the season, along with Monaco, Montreal and others – isn’t just a novel entertainment choice, it underscores the need for sustainability. Formula E knows it can’t rely on the local grid to charge the cars, so a diesel PHOTOGRAPHY: SPACESUIT, LAT 36 THE JAGUAR

“IT’S A STEP INTO A NEW TECHNOLOGY. WE WANT TO BE A LEADER IN THIS FIELD” THE JAGUAR 37

 

JAGUAR

THE JAGUAR MAGAZINE

 

JAGUAR MAGAZINE celebrates creativity in all its forms, with exclusive features that inspire sensory excitement, from seductive design to cutting-edge technology.

The latest issue features a range of inspiring people: from Luke Jennings, creator of Villanelle, one of the most interesting television characters in recent times, to Marcus Du Sautoy, who ponders whether artificial intelligence is on the brink of becoming creative. Out on the road, we visit the US to explore the foodie heaven of Portland in a Jaguar I-PACE, take a Jaguar XE to the south of France to get a photographer’s viewpoint of the charming town of Arles, and much more.

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