There was a time when the mention of Jaguar terrified the auto racing world. In the 1950s, the UK automaker kept the competition breathless before departing from the racing scene after winning the famed 24 hours of Le Mans three years in a row with their D-Type classic.
Now, Jaguar will return to the world of international racing as part of comparatively fledgling, but cutting edge circuit — the all-electric Formula E series. During a special debut event near the company’s Midland’s Coventry HQ, Jaguar’s new I-TYPE 1 rolled out before the assembled press with its racing team standing ready to get Jag back on the sports pages again.
Also: Jaguar Stuns with News of Classic XKSS Dream Car
Formula E formed as an all-electric option to traditional fossil fuel racing. The goal of the organization is to offer the same open wheel speeds, skilled drivers and elite tracks as F1 or Indy Car without any fossil fuel consumption.
The I-TYPE 1 is Jaguar’s first all-electric racing car and is currently undergoing additional full speed testing on UK tracks before making its Formula E debut in Hong Kong during the opening race of the circuit’s third season this coming October 9th. Teaming with Panasonic on this racing team, Jaguar will send drivers Adam Carroll, Mitch Evans and Ho-Pin Tung into battle next month.
The news that Jaguar is back into racing is fun for speed fans — especially those with proud British accents. But, the more important news coming out of the event is how the R&D going into the I-TYPE 1 will work its way into Jag’s consumer car division. That’s why automakers have racing divisions. Winning trophies and gaining international acclaim on the racetrack is great for PR, but the technology engineered for track is really intended to bleed into the overall car line eventually.
Its presence in Formula E would indicate Jaguar will begin shifting toward hybrid engines and overall electrification in the years to come. For now, enthusiasts for the luxury brand will get to enjoy some very fast (and oddly quiet) racing from around the world.
