JLR to invest £15 billion over next five years as its modern luxury electric-first future accelerates.
Jaguar luxury GT begins latest season of winter testing
- New Jaguar four-door GT prototypes begin latest round of cold weather testing and calibration assessment in the Arctic Circle ahead of reveal this summer
- Seasonal testing on frozen lakes is part of the most comprehensive Jaguar development programme ever undertaken
- Engineers are tuning control systems of electric propulsion and chassis technologies to deliver true Jaguar dynamics, performance and comfort in all conditions
Jaguar GT Testing
Prototypes of Jaguar’s new all-electric luxury four-door GT have begun their latest round of winter testing. Taking on extreme temperatures as low as minus 40°C in the Arctic Circle.
The new four-door GT is undergoing the most rigorous global validation programme in Jaguar history, with 150 prototypes covering hundreds of thousands of miles across hot desert highways, frozen lakes and advanced virtual environments.
The demanding assessment schedule has been designed to push every system to its limits to deliver the most technically advanced and powerful Jaguar production car ever made. An unprecedented scale of testing for Jaguar, with the most comprehensive virtual and rig testing programme ever, prior to physical validation on the road.
Winter testing on the frozen lakes of Sweden is helping Jaguar engineers to refine the distinct characteristics of the four-door GT’s drive modes to ensure it delivers instinctive responses and calming comfort. It will drive like no other electric car thanks to a suite of electric propulsion technologies. True to the spirit of Jaguar.
With more than 1,000PS, the new luxury GT will be the most powerful Jaguar road car ever made. Advanced all-wheel-drive tri-motor technology with Intelligent Torque Vectoring puts the power where it’s needed more quickly and precisely than ever before, for an engaging, rewarding and confidence-inspiring drive in all conditions.
Jaguar engineers will also be putting the finishing touches to a number of calibrations. Chassis systems, the all-wheel steering, a bespoke new 23-inch winter tyre, dynamic air suspension and active twin-valve dampers – all working in harmony with the propulsion torque control. For supreme composure and ride comfort.
Jaguar GT continues driving pleasure
Matt Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director, Jaguar, said: “Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric four-door GT will be no different. It marks a step-change in our technical ambitions. Innovative in-house electric propulsion technologies combine with the car’s unique proportions and low centre of gravity for a luxurious grand tourer that drives like nothing else. Like a true Jaguar, it can be comfortable when you wish, is engaging to drive and, with more than 1,000PS, always has power in reserve.”
The sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic Circle also give Jaguar engineers the right conditions to validate its advanced ThermAssistTM technology. The pioneering onboard thermal management system reduces heating energy consumption by up to 40 per cent, and aims to recover heat to warm the propulsion system or cabin in ambient temperatures as low as minus 10°C (14°F). All while optimising the driving range, even in the coldest temperatures.
The all-electric four-door GT will make its world premiere later this year. Following the Exuberant Modernist design philosophy previewed by the Jaguar Type 00 design vision.
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said: “Our aim from the outset has been to deliver a true Jaguar driving experience and we have crafted a hugely desirable car that will be as captivating to drive as it is to look at.”
Quick Highlights
- Investment of £15bn over five years in JLR’s industrial footprint, vehicle programmes, autonomous, AI and digital technologies and people skills
- JLR’s Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK, to become an all-electric manufacturing facility
- JLR’s Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, to be renamed Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre
- JLR reaffirms Reimagine strategy, with new House of Brands approach to accelerate delivery of modern luxury vision
- Next-generation medium-size SUV architecture to be pure-electric
- Pre-order books to open for first all-electric Range Rover later this year
- First of three reimagined modern luxury electric Jaguars will be a 4-door GT built in Solihull, UK
JLR has announced exciting plans to accelerate its transition to become the world’s leading modern luxury car manufacturer revealing its Halewood plant, in the UK, will become an all-electric production facility and its next generation medium-size SUV architecture, electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric.
In an update to global media at JLR’s centre in Gaydon, Chief Executive Adrian Mardell reaffirmed the business’s commitment to its Reimagine strategy, which will reposition the company as an electric-first, modern luxury carmaker by 2030, as JLR makes strides towards its financial goals of achieving a net cash positive position by FY25 and double-digit EBIT by 2026.
Reimagine strategy
JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said: “Two years ago, we launched our Reimagine strategy and since then we have made great progress, including launching two new critically acclaimed modern luxury Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, joining the Defender family, for which there is record demand. We achieved this while navigating the headwinds of the pandemic and chip shortages, and successfully ramping up production of our most profitable models to deliver profit in Q3.
“Today I am proud to announce we are accelerating our electrification path, making one of our UK plants and our next-generation medium-size luxury SUV architecture fully electric. This investment enables us to deliver our modern luxury electric future, developing new skills, and reaffirming our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2039.”
JLR Investing in next-generation electric models
Announcing news of its next-generation electrification roadmap, JLR confirmed it will start to invite applications for client orders for the modern luxury all-electric Range Rover from later this year. The first of its next-generation medium-size modern luxury SUVs will be an all-electric model from the Range Rover family, launching in 2025 and built at Halewood in Merseyside, in a move that further affirms JLR’s commitment to the future of the UK car industry.
And while EMA will now be electric only, as the trend to electrification in certain markets increases, JLR will retain the flexible modular longitudinal architecture (MLA) on which Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are built offering internal combustion engine (ICE), HYBRID and battery electric vehicle (BEV) options. This gives JLR uncompromised flexibility to adapt its vehicle lineup to meet the needs of different markets around the world, that are moving at different speeds towards net zero carbon targets.
House of Brands
As a next step within the Reimagine strategy. It was revealed JLR will move to a House of Brands approach. To amplify the unique character of each of its brands
- Range Rover,
- Defender,
- Discovery and
- Jaguar –
- and accelerate the delivery of the company’s vision,
- to become proud creators of the world’s most desirable modern luxury automotive brands for the most discerning clients.
Commenting on the House of Brands approach, JLR’s Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern OBE said. “Pivotal to our Reimagine strategy is the formation of the House of Brands, which is a natural evolution. With a purpose of elevating and amplifying the uniqueness of our characterful British marques. Our ultimate ambition is to build truly emotionally engaging experiences for our clients. That, overtime, will build long-term high equity for our brands and long-term sustainability for JLR.”
reimagined modern luxury Jaguars
JLR also announced that the first of three reimagined modern luxury Jaguars. Will be a 4-door GT built in Solihull in the West Midlands, UK. With power output more than any previous Jaguar. A range up to 700 kms (430 miles), and with indicative pricing from £100,000. New Jaguar will be built on its own unique architecture. Named JEA. More details of the new 4-door GT Jaguar will be released later this year. Before going on sale in selected markets in 2024, for client deliveries in 2025.
“We have radically reimagined Jaguar as a modern luxury brand. The key to Jaguar’s transformation. Is that the designs convey that they are a copy of nothing,” said Professor Gerry McGovern OBE.
JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said: “With Range Rover, the original luxury SUV. Available for pre-order in pure electric form later this year. And the first of three breath-taking electric reimagined Jaguar models to be launched in 2025. We are stepping into an incredibly exciting new electric era for JLR as a modern luxury business.”
Investing in JLR UK industrial footprint
In addition to the news that its Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK, will become an all-electric production facility. And its next generation medium-size SUV architecture. Electrified modular architecture (EMA), will now be pure-electric. JLR also revealed its Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK. Currently producing Ingenium internal combustion engines for its vehicles. Will have an electric future producing electric drive units and battery packs for JLR’s next-generation vehicles.
In positive news for the future of the historic Castle Bromwich site. To play a key role in the company’s electric future. By providing bodywork for next-generation electric vehicles. JLR continues to explore options for other parts of the Castle Bromwich site.
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