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E-type Zero elegant electric prototype for all XK 6-cylinder Jaguars

E-type Zero elegant electric prototype for all XK 6-cylinder Jaguars

Jaguar Land Rover engineers have developed an electric motor that fits seamlessly into any Jaguar classic driven by the famous XK engine. For the demonstrable subject of their design fancy, they have chosen the classic of classics, the Jaguar E-type, produced from 1961 to 1992.

The special electric E-type Series 1.5 Roadster was unveiled at the Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest held during the first week of September in London. The car, known as E-type Zero, has been restored and converted at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, not far from where the E-type was born.

“In order to seamlessly combine the new electric powertrain of E-type Zero with the dynamic set-up of the original E-type specification, we have limited the vehicle’s power output. We believe this provides the optimum driving experience” said Tim Hannig of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering team.

An electric powertrain developing 220kW has been specially designed for the E-type Zero. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions, and similar weight to the XK six-cylinder engine used in the original E-type. The engineers who developed the electric powertrain have ensured it will be placed in precisely the same location as the XK engine, without structural modifications.

Using an electric powertrain with similar weight and dimensions to the outgoing petrol engine and transmission means the car’s structure, including suspension and brakes, has not changed, simplifying the conversion and homologation. It drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-type. Front-rear weight distribution is unchanged.

“We have integrated the new electric powertrain into the existing E-type structure, which means a conventional engine could be reinstalled at any point. We think this is essential as it ensures a period Jaguar remains authentic to its DNA,” said Hannig.

The XK six-cylinder engine was made from 1949 until 1992, and was fitted to nearly all iconic Jaguar models of that period, including the E-type, XK120, Mk2 and XJ6. The new electric powertrain fit any of these vehicles.

“We could use this technology to transform any classic XK-engine Jaguar” Hannig assured.

The Jaguar E-type Zero not only drives and looks like an E-type, it also offers outstanding performance. With the 0-100km/h sprint completed in only 5.5sec, it’s about one second quicker than an original, Series 1 E-type.

The E-type Zero has a ‘real world’ range of 270km, helped by the low weight and good aerodynamics. It uses a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged at home overnight in six to seven hours, depending on the power source.


 

 

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