Since its contentious rebranding video went live on YouTube a few weeks ago, it seems like the whole car industry has been talking about Jaguar. The actual test however, would be the actual car’s unveiling, even if this campaign became embroiled in political controversy over that unforgettable 30-second TV commercial. The debut finally came as the Type 00 prototype was unveiled Monday night at Miami Art Week.
Regretfully though, on the Monday morning, some publications leaked the concept photos, breaking Jaguar’s media embargo. The fact that these outlets were willing to jeopardise their relationship with JLR over concept drawings is indicative of the amount of attention the launch is receiving.
According to the carmaker, Jaguar will stop making automobiles with internal combustion engines and ultimately will put production on hold altogether until its electric vehicle (EV) hits the market in late 2025.
The new name is Type 00
After the lettered Type Jaguars of the past era (C-Type, D-Type, E-Type, and F-Type), the new EV is referred to as the “Type 00,” suggesting a total overhaul. The zeros indicate more than just an alphanumeric reconstruction, according to Jaguar. The first zero indicates the absence of tailpipe emissions, while the second zero indicates that this is a new beginning—back to basics—the first Jaguar EV in the lineup.
The Jaguar Electric Architecture, a new all-electric platform that was not utilised for the well-liked I-Pace, will serve as the basis for the vehicle. Putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to electrification, parent company JLR has been investing billions in its EV transition.
With the ability to recharge 200 miles of range in 15 minutes, the Type 00 is expected to have a range of 478 miles (WLTP) and 430 miles (EPA). To deliver this goal, JLR is collaborating with Elysia, Fortescue’s battery and charging expert. This is not a hollow claim, as Elysia has technology capable of charging 264-ton mining trucks at 2MW. It is also hoped that the new Type 00 would be an electric GT capable of class-leading performance, given Jaguar’s ongoing domination of Formula E.
However, what about the car’s actual design? Reactions to the leaked photos have been divided; some people think it’s the ugliest car they’ve ever seen, while others like the daring break from Jaguars of the past. Although the sloping rear and lengthy front certainly hark back to earlier models in a way, this is not an E-Type restomod. The angles are too sharp and the body is too bold. Although the angularity is very similar to modern automobile design, the new car doesn’t look like any Jaguar that came before it.
Although there are similarities here to the path Range Rover has been following, some of the current Chinese designs, like the Huawei Maextro S800, which was also just introduced, maybe the most telling analogy.
According to one journalist, the Maextro looks like “someone put a Maybach, a Rolls, and a Porsche in a blender,” three upscale rivals that Jaguar is now targeting with its new EV product. Because it was more attractive than a modern Ferrari and half the price, the E-Type effectively launched Jaguar onto the world stage. To me however, the new Top 00—in pink and with that chunky profile—looks precariously like an attempt to recreate Lady Penelope’s Rolls Royce from Thunderbirds but using Jag’s brand.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Whether you like it or you loathe it, one thing’s for certain—the Type 00 is definitely grabbing headlines. But we should be careful when critiquing these concept photographs. Instead of pictures of the actual car, the publicly released photographs are design sketches. The side profile of the automobile that was actually presented in Miami is stunning, and its lines are much smoother. The vehicle will no doubt garner as much attention on the road as the social media advertising effort. But don’t expect it in showrooms before 2026 at the earliest.