Jaguar E-Type Zero

Last September, Jaguar presented the E-Type Zero as a concept study at the ‘Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest’. It is a classic E-Type, extensively restored at Jaguar Classic Works and at the same time converted to electric drive. Now it was announced during Monterey Car Week, that the British company will make an exclusive small series production of this car, in which the technology from the current I-Pace moves under the bodywork of an E-Type. Contrary to first guesses, the Jaguar Classic department does not produce new vehicles (like the XKSS Continuation or the D-Type Continuation) for this, but carefully selects existing restoration objects and modifies them. Strictly speaking, this project is also a restomod.

In addition to the opportunity to purchase finished converted vehicles at Jaguar Classic, there is also the offer to bring an own E-Type to Great Britain for conversion. The first cars will roll out of the factory in summer 2020. All components are installed so that they can be returned to their original state without residue. Future owners can therefore have their E-Type Zero again equipped with the original inline six-cylinder engine, which normally performs in the first-series E-Type together with a four-speed manual transmission. The electric drive in the Zero eliminates the large number of forward gears.

With the powerful electric drive, the E-Type Zero is even faster than ex works. Where normally the inline six-cylinder engine sits, now the 40 kWh batteries are mounted, which are expected to provide around 170 miles of range thanks to the good aerodynamics of the E-Type. The batteries correspond in their dimensions and weight approximately to the original engine and thus help the E-Type to the familiar handling and similar weight distribution. Depending on the available power connection, charging will take six to seven hours. At the moment there are no performance datas available for the electric motor, that sits together with a reduction gearbox inside the transmission tunnel. From here, the power goes through a new cardan shaft to the differential at the rear axle.

Visually, the E-Type Zero almost resembles a normal E-Type Series 1. However, there are subtle differences. behind the plexiglass covers of the headlights are modern LED lights, which provide more light but use less energy. Inside is a new carbon-made dashboard, which is indeed inspired by the original, but on request includes a large touchscreen display for the infotainment system. Jaguar Classic has not yet announced prices, but is now accepting customer inquiries.

Images: Jaguar