British Engineering icon Jaguar has revealed its striking new Type 00 concept car, the first vehicle to showcase its new identity and bold ” Exuberant Modernism design philosophy.”
Unveiled at Miami Art Week, the all-electric Type 00 is a striking visual manifestation of Jaguar’s direction as it transforms significantly into an electric-only brand.
The Type 00’s exterior marries retro-futuristic elements like an ultra-long hood and boxy, angular front end with sleek, modernist touches like flush surfaces, a panoramic glass roof, and 23-inch alloy wheels. The rear features a dramatic fastback profile and unique “strikethrough” taillight graphics. Jaguar’s classic “leaper” hood ornament is gone, with a subtle etching as the only nod to the iconic symbol on the side.
Inside, the concept car’s cabin engages the senses with contrasting materials like brass, travertine stone, and wool-blend textiles. Occupants can change the interior ambience by placing different “totems” made of those materials into a dedicated slot—hidden screens and storage compartments open on demand to preserve the minimalist look.
Jaguar says the Type 00 exemplifies brave, unconstrained creative thinking and determination to forge a new path while respecting the brand’s heritage. “Type 00 is a pure expression of Jaguar’s new creative philosophy,” said Gerry McGovern, Jaguar’s chief creative officer. “It is our first physical manifestation and the foundation stone for a new family of Jaguars that will look unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”
Engineering Principles Behind the Jaguar Type 00
While the Jaguar Type 00 is primarily a design concept rather than a production-intent vehicle, it still incorporates cutting-edge EV engineering and points towards Jaguar’s future technical direction. Here are some of the key engineering principles and technologies the Type 00 story touches on:
Dedicated EV Platform: The Type 00 is built on the new Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), a bespoke EV platform underpinning Jaguar’s upcoming electric vehicles. Dedicated EV architectures like JEA are designed from the ground up to maximize the advantages of electric powertrains in terms of packaging, performance, and efficiency.
With no need to accommodate an engine, transmission, and exhaust system, designers have much more freedom in proportions, overhangs, and interior space. The Type 00’s “cab-forward” design and elongated wheelbase would not be possible with an internal combustion platform. Purpose-built EV platforms also allow the heavy battery pack to be integrated into the floor structure, lowering the centre of gravity for better handling.
800V System Voltage: Jaguar has confirmed that its production of EVs will use an 800V electrical architecture, which is double the 400V systems used by most current EVs. The main benefit of 800V is much faster charging; Jaguar targets adding 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
Higher voltage allows higher charging power levels with less heat and lower current flow. 800V enables charging at over 300 kW compared to 150 kW for 400V while using thinner and lighter wiring. The downside is some added cost and complexity. Porsche, Hyundai and Kia have also adopted 800V for their latest EVs.
Flush Aerodynamics: The Type 00’s sleek, flush surfaces and details like the retractable door handles and hidden front air intakes show Jaguar’s focus on optimizing aerodynamics. Smooth airflow is crucial for extending the EV driving range.
Form follows function here—the Type 00’s dramatic low-slung proportions and fastback profile help it slice through the air efficiently. The small frontal area, swept-back windshield, and tapered tail minimize drag. The underbody is likely flat and smooth. Expect Jaguar’s production EVs to have closed-off grilles and very low drag coefficients under 0.25 Cd.
Airless tyres: The massive 23-inch alloy wheels on Type 00 appear to use airless tyres. While still uncommon today, airless tyres are considered a key future technology for EVs. They use advanced engineered inner structures and materials in place of pressurized air.
The main advantages are that airless tyres are puncture-proof, maintenance-free, and provide a quieter, smoother ride – all attributes well-suited to EVs. They can also be made with very low rolling resistance to increase efficiency. Michelin and GM aim to bring airless tyres to production EVs by 2024.
Advanced Driver Assist: The retractable brass ingots on the side of the Type 00 house rearward-facing cameras hint at the advanced driver assist and autonomous technologies Jaguar is developing for its future EVs.
These could include a surround-view camera system, rear collision warning, blind spot monitoring and a semi-automated driving mode. The cameras may also be used instead of traditional side mirrors to optimize aerodynamics. Regulations are allowing camera mirrors, with the Audi e-tron and Honda E being early adopters.
Jaguar Type 00 In Images
The Jaguar Type 00 is only the first step in the British brand’s reinvention as an ultra-luxe, forward-looking, electric-only automaker. While the concept’s polarizing design has drawn praise and criticism, it undoubtedly makes a statement and signals a new chapter for Jaguar.
The first all-new Jaguar EV, a sleek four-door GT, will be revealed in late 2025. It may carry over some design cues from the Type 00, but its engineering should follow the concept’s 800V architecture, aero-optimized body, and focus on bleeding-edge EV technologies. Jaguar targets a WLTP range of 430 miles and ultra-rapid charging for the upcoming GT.
As part of its relaunch, Jaguar is planning a revamped buying experience centred around exclusive “brand stores” in major cities that immerse shoppers in the world of the new Jaguar. The first such store will open next year in Paris.
It remains to be seen if Jaguar can successfully reposition itself in the rapidly evolving EV space and win over a new generation of luxury buyers. However, the Type 00 swings for the fences in design and draws a line between Jaguar’s past and future. As the brand celebrates its past while relentlessly looking forward, one thing is clear—the Jaguar of tomorrow will be a strikingly different animal.
TLDR:
- Jaguar revealed its Type 00 electric concept car at Miami Art Week
- Features 800V architecture and dedicated EV platform
- Showcases new “Exuberant Modernism” design philosophy
- Production version expected late 2025
- Targets 430-mile WLTP range
- Introduces new brand identity and retail strategy
- The Type 00 shows Jaguar is swinging for the fences design-wise with its EV relaunch. It’s a polarizing, love-it-or-hate look that boldly states the brand’s future direction.
- Engineering-wise, the 800V architecture, aero-optimized shape, advanced driver assists, and bleeding-edge techs like airless tyres position Jaguar to compete with top luxury EV makers like Tesla, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
- Jaguar’s plans for exclusive “brand stores” and an immersive buying experience will further reinforce its push upmarket to become an ultra-premium, design-forward, electric-only brand for affluent early adopters.
- Still, Jaguar faces an uphill climb. Sales have plummeted recently, and the EV market is becoming increasingly crowded. The Type 00’s unconventional looks may alienate traditional Jaguar buyers who need to attract more new ones.
- Ultimately, the production EVs Jaguar launches in 2025-2026, and how closely they resemble the Type 00’s design language and technical capabilities will determine whether this daring reinvention succeeds in reestablishing Jaguar as a relevant luxury leader in the electric age.
