In case you thought the electric, future-proof Jaguar E-Type Zero concept was just a flight of imagination, Jaguar is about to prove that it is far from it. The E-Type Zero is about to produce, at Jaguars Classic division in Coventry, England.
One of the core ideas with the electrified E-Type is that the new electric powertrain, chosen from the I-Pace, takes up approximately the same space as the original XK six-cylinder engine and gearbox. This not only makes it possible to build new electric versions of reproductive scales, but it also allows electrical conversions of vintage E-types, while the weight distribution and handling remain close to the way the cars were originally designed – they it with more power and torque. And the battery still carries XK badging to make it feel at home in the E-Type. The automaker expects a driving range of more than 170 miles.
The E-Type Zero was originally unveiled a little less than a year ago, and at that time Jaguar noticed that it was only a concept. Now things are far enough advanced for Jaguar to announce small-scale production in the same Coventry factory, where Jaguar is also building new E-Type Reborn versions. If a potential customer wants to electrify his old E-type, that is also possible. And, as Jaguar says, the conversion is completely reversible, in case owners want to return to that sweet, straight six sound.
"We are overwhelmed by the positive response to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept," said Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic. "To be future-proof from the fun of classic car ownership is an important step for Jaguar Classic."
The first production E-Type Zeros will reach the customer's hands in the summer of 2020, according to Jaguar. The latest concept version is shown in the Monterey Car Week in California.
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