Thursday 7th September 2017

Electric E-Type!

Jaguar ditches straight six for batteries with the E-Type Zero; lighter and faster than original...

---

How do you make an expo about new cars more interesting? Launch an old one, of course! That's the Jaguar strategy with its current London-based Tech Workshop - open to the public this weekend - by revealing an E-Type. But an E-Type with a difference...

All as you were out here...

Yes, this Series 1.5 Roadster doesn't have an engine. Instead it has batteries and motors for its propulsive force, making the E-Type Zero an entirely electric vehicle. With 295hp though it's still capable of 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, and Jaguar claims a real-world range of about 170 miles and a typical charge time of six-seven hours.

Moreover a lot of effort was said to be exerted on locating the EV powertrain exactly where the engine was, therefore maintaining the E-Type balance. Jaguar says the battery pack here has the same dimensions and a similar weight to the original straight-six, with the electric motor then where the gearbox used to be. It has allowed the structure, brakes and suspension to be carried over unchanged in this conversion from internal combustion to electricity. The weight distribution is identical, with total kerbweight down 46kg for the Zero.

... and then, ta-dah!

JLR Classic Director Tim Hannig said of this E-Type: "Our aim... is to future-proof classic car ownership. We're looking forward to the reaction of our clients as we investigate bringing this concept to market." In addition, the technology could be used to convert any XK-engined Jaguar; we all know there's a few of those around...

It's quite a step though, isn't it? Arguably so much of the classic car experience is about the sounds and smells of internal combustion plus, with the E-Type in particular, simply staring at that gorgeous old straight-six. It will be fascinating to see the response to the Zero, and whether a market can emerge for future-proofing these and other iconic cars. Should you be interested in one, drop Jaguar a line at [e-mail].

[Arsecati]

NO.

That's all I have to say.

[Slinky1989]

I'm...... conflicted.

[ablac2000]

Don't be so ridiculous!!!

[lufbramatt]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

[Doofus]

Sounds very much like their "Classic Director" doesn't understand classic cars.

Mind you, Mr Speth on the news this morning claimed that Jaguar will be the first car manufacturer to build electric cars which have been designed as electric cars form the outset. When Tesla was mentioned, he muttered some vacuous marketing guff.

I suspect that's exactly what this E-Type is about. Jaguar are just trying to create media hype around their electric future, and they are prepared to prostitute their heritage to do it.

[loose cannon]

An e type without glorious xk engine noise
And the smell of fumes NO!

[Riyvolution]

It almost suits the serene little cruiser. Who knows, maybe it'll actually start as well.

[big_rob_sydney]

Hmm, you walk up to a cat to pet it, and it barks at you. Something is not right with this picture...

I'm all in favour of EV's, but I would rather something that was 100% modern, with the latest software, etc. Nothing gets up my nose more than cars costing a lot of money, yet seeing short cuts taken in very obvious ways, for example a sat nav system that is so poor owners will get an aftermarket system. Then you get all the wires hanging everywhere, and so on.

For this reason, a modern transplant into an older car just doesn't work for me. Too many carryovers that are a byproduct from too long ago.

[Filibuster]

YES!!

I know it's wrong, but like it! Well somehow..

NO!!

It's a sacrilege, especially classics are all about the smell of petrol and oil and leather and steam and they have to be loud and crackle and pop and bang

hhmm... I'm confused now

[GT119]

Cue the frothing...
The new car market in 10 years will be vastly different to what it is now.
I'm ok with this if it gives Jaguar a better shot at staying in the game and getting a better foothold into EVs.

[Nickbrapp]

Doesn't matter, they already said they aren't taking it beyond concept car. It's to generate hype

[ntiz]

Doofus said:

Mind you, Mr Speth on the news this morning claimed that Jaguar will be the first car manufacturer to build electric cars which have been designed as electric cars form the outset. When Tesla was mentioned, he muttered some vacuous marketing guff.

The funniest bit is that they are using Tesla batteries in the I-pace so they are just buying there technology. I can't speak for where the batteries for this came from.

I don't have a huge problem with this but I just don't see why you would buy one? If you want an old car buy an old car if you want an electric car again go buy one.

I can't see many people saying you know what I hate my V12, 10, 8 etc lets put a battery in it so it's just like my daily in 20 years time.

[Jonny TVR]

I doubt new legislation will impact on classic cars .. just new cars. However will you be able to buy unleaded in 20 years time?

[Dafuq]

The automotive equivalent of drawing a moustache on the Mona Lisa, surely?

What next..., the likes of Bentley, Maserati and Rolls Royce producing off road 4x4s.....?

Oh....., hang on

[Krikkit]

Very impressive engineering, sounds like they've really put attention to detail in it, but to me this is like putting a bodykit on it - the shape and the engine are the two defining things about an E-type.

Put this powertrain in a DeLorean instead, get rid of that crappy, wheezy Renault engine.

[Raramuri]

This has reminded me of the cars in Gattaca, which was perhaps prophetic in this regard. The notable cars were the DS2 and the Studebaker Avanti whispering along with electric motors.

They are so cool in that film, although I feel quite conflicted on the reality. If it becomes the only way to keep them on the road however, I would rather that than have them stored away unseen in private collections.

[DanielSan]

No no no no no no no no no no no NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mike1990]

No. Not for me!

I appreciate the level of engineering involved but i just can't Imagine driving in utter silence and what happens if you want to go for a proper drive somewhere? You'll have make sure your home before 170 miles so you can spend all night charging the thing up.

Balls to that!

[Stu08]

Jonny TVR said:

I doubt new legislation will impact on classic cars .. just new cars. However will you be able to buy unleaded in 20 years time?

That'll be 2037.

The ban on selling new pure ICE cars in 2040 doesn't mean all ICE is banned. Just ICE as the sole means of power. ICE cars built and sold new in 2039 and earlier will still be allowed on the roads. As far as I can see hybrids will be sold with a combination of ICE and batteries from 2040 (as well as some EV's - maybe city cars).

Therefore unleaded will still be available.

Edited by Stu08 on Thursday 7th September 15:56

[Amanitin]

big_rob_sydney said:

I'm all in favour of EV's, but I would rather something that was 100% modern, with the latest software, etc.

But not everyone is willing to pay for a brand new electric car.
Once production of batteries and emotors gears up (see what i did there) to millions of units per year, cost goes down to the level of crate engines or even lower, type specific aftermarket drive train swap mods like this will be a huge business. Mark my words.