At Miami Art Week, Jaguar unveiled their latest design philosophy and vision – Type 00 – as its physical manifestation. This model marries their traditional nomenclature with two zeroes to symbolize its modern, electric identity.
Jaguar’s vision for its new concept car is both bold and radical; nothing similar has ever been attempted before. The front end is suitably menacing while its bodywork stands out as something completely new from cars of past eras.
Electrifying the Jaguar experience
Jaguar made it appear radical when unveiling their Type 00 car, yet its reality falls far short of expectations. While its appearance may be boxy and lack a rear window, as well as featuring massive 23-inch wheels; occupants can still customize it according to emotional lines by installing one of three mood stones including brass, travertine or alabaster into its cabin.
At first glance, this concept defies electric vehicle convention by channelling the spirit of Jaguar E-type cars. Its long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen, and boat tail rear are echoed in its striking Satin Rhodon Rose hue that perfectly represents Miami’s Art Deco architecture.
A strikingthrough graphic featuring the leaping Jaguar logo appears in both front and rear views, concealing full-width strip taillights along its upper and lower lines. Furthermore, the glazed roof panel serves as a panoramic viewfinder.
The JEA platform
Jaguar’s electric strategy centers on an all-new platform known as JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture), which will serve as the basis of three future models. The first will be a four-seat GT that’s set to arrive with customers sometime around 2025; its estimated EPA range will extend up to 430 miles while boasting over 575 horsepower of power output.
Jaguar executives opted for bold and boxy shapes in this new design language for their Type 00 concept car, instead embracing voluptuous curves with harsh edges for its new design language. The front end features an eye-catching strikethrough graphic reminiscent of IBM’s striped logo that emphasizes its width and corners while its tapering boat tail rear boasts a glassless tailgate featuring yet another striking strikethrough device to conceal rear view cameras.
The JEA design language
Jaguar’s vision for its electric future stands out in a world where most concept cars look identical to what will eventually go into production: The Type 00 (pronounced zero zero) debuted their Exuberant Modernism design language and previewed their four-door GT set for sale by 2026.
This car sits atop massive 23-inch wheels and sports an eye-catching fastback profile that suggests drama. A glassless tailgate reveals cameras mounted to brass plaques featuring laser-etched Jaguar Leaper logos.
A plinth of travertine stone serves as the basis for “floating seats”, covered with tactile wool blend. An intricate brass spine bisects the cockpit while panels on either side raise to provide digital detox capabilities behind the wheel if necessary.
The JEA technology
After sparking cultural tension with its logotype’s SpongeBob-meme-esque mixture of uppercase letters and lowercase letters and taking aim at Trump-friendly topics with an unorthodox media campaign, Jag has finally revealed the vehicle that will lead them in their new direction: an electric four-door GT that will debut late next year – known as Type 00.
Jaguar has not disclosed powertrain specifications for their production car yet; however, they expect it to offer an EPA-rated range of over 430 miles. Meanwhile, its concept car’s flashy interior provides a glimpse at an upgrade for production Jaguars; including deployable screens that cover an entire windshield when stored away.
The new electric model will feature smooth body surfaces punctuated by sharp lines, as well as its signature horizontal strikethrough graphic that covers full-width strip taillights and features full width strip taillights. In addition, its design borrows heavily from that of its E-Type predecessors — with parallel line designs extending onto wheel hubs and glassless hatch rear featuring golden rectangles to conceal two backup cameras.
The JEA interior
No doubt there have been plenty of opinions surrounding Jaguar’s recent ‘woke’ rebrand. At Road & Track, however, what matters is the car itself – and their new Type 00, revealed during Miami Art Week as one example, certainly makes an impactful statement.
Inside, the gullwing doors open to reveal a minimalist cabin. Hand-finished brass runs along its length while a central 3.2-metre-long brass spine serves as an instrument panel separator in the dashboard.
Jaguar did not reveal specific EV specs, but did say their new JEA platform will offer “captivating driving experiences, engaging handling dynamics and exceptional ride comfort”. Sounds promising!