Bandar Seri Begawan, 15 February 2017 -Jaguar has reached a new era with the reveal of the Jaguar I-PACE Concept car in Los Angeles in November 2016.Being the Jaguar’s first-ever battery powered electric vehicle (EV),the production version is expected to be revealed in the late 2017 and hit the urbanroad in 2018. 

As the most visually arresting concepts ever produced by Jaguar, the design and engineering teams have torn up the rule book and taken the opportunity to rethink the vehicle’s overall proportions by taking full advantage of the packaging freedom offered by electrification. The result is a no-compromise smart, five seat sports car and a performance SUV in one.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: “The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.”

The state-of-the-art electric motors and 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack were designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to give the best possible performance and range for most daily journeys.  Where ever you are in the world you can simply plug your car into a wall socket overnight, and have more than enough range to complete the average daily commute of around 50 km.

For rapid charging, using a typical public 50 KW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over 2 hours.  Enough to deliver more than 220 miles range (measured on the US EPA test cycle) or more than 500 km range (measured on the European NEDC test cycle).

The I-PACE Concept transforms the electric driving experience and offers the driver-focused performance and response Jaguar is renowned for. To help deliver this, the I-PACE has electric motors on the front and rear axles. Their combined output is 400PS and 700Nm of torque – the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR.

Ian Callum said, “Our virtual reality reveal today has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car. We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal. For the first time, VR has allowed us share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible.”

Revealed in Los Angeles through the unique and world-first ‘social VR’, it is believed to be the largest live and connected VR event of its type to date. Throughout the day more than 300 guests were transported into a specially created life-like virtual space, into which, two of the car’s creators, Ian Callum and Ian Hoban were projected.

From VR hubs in Los Angeles and London, groups of 66 guests including A-list stars Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Kerr and James Corden, used HTC Vive Business Edition headsets, powered by Dell Precision workstations, to put themselves inside the concept car and interact live with other participants. Guests ‘sat’ on the concept’s virtual seats, had a 3600 view of Venice Beach as the concept was built piece by piece around them, and saw the I-PACE Concept race towards them across a virtual desert.

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, described the set up to VR guests who were able to use virtual reality to get under the skin of this ground-breaking technology. He said: "Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions. Their superior torque delivery compared to internal combustion engines transforms the driving experience. With 700Nm and the traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the I-PACE Concept accelerates from 0-60mph in around four seconds."

The virtual reality experience also allowed participants to sit in the front and rear of the Jaguar I-PACE Concept and explore the beautiful interior, discovering hidden details and features.

Renowned VR Director, Alexander Horton, led the creative direction. Participants experienced the car being built around them, speeding towards them and appearing to fall to Earth from another planet – clearly signalling the future-forward nature of the revolutionary Jaguar.

The new and exciting VR platform pushed the boundaries further than ever before, with the inclusion of social interaction and a live presenter broadcast into a single VR world.

Groups in both LA and London were able to communicate and interact with one another, all whilst watching Ian Callum and Ian Hoban explain through high-end real-time 3D graphics both the design process and technology behind this forward-thinking concept car. 

The Jaguar I-Pace Concept Car

With its streamlined profile, sweeping lines, large wheels and muscular rear haunches, the I-PACE Concept represents a new generation of electric vehicles. Bringing together hallmarks of the Jaguar brand with new lines, made possible by the I-PACE Concept’s state-of-the-art electric powertrain, creates a dynamic aesthetic that expresses its performance, innovation and style.

The long wheelbase and short overhangs enable a coupe-like roofline. The cabin sits low between sweeping fenders, creating a sense of movement and giving the body a fast, tapering waistline. The dynamic window lines further enhance the sports car looks. The cab-forward design is accentuated by the windscreen’s fast angle and heavily curved glass, flowing down into a low bonnet that adds to the sense of supercar style.

The muscular wheel arches are sculpted around breathtaking 23-inch Nighthawk wheels in Technical Grey with Gloss Black inserts and a beautiful diamond-turned finish. Their dynamic intent is enhanced by bespoke 265/35/R23 tyres with a unique tread pattern. The powerful rear haunches add to the muscular stance, further enhancing its sports car-like poise.

In addition, the Concept also features a flush door handles that reduce drag by only sliding out when activated. Aerodynamically optimized side skirts also blend form and function by channeling air more efficiently around the wheels.

As from the front, it can be seen that the low bonnet, flanked by curving wheel arches, combines sports car aesthetics with an SUV’s presence. A broad, distinctive grille with a hexagonal grid in gloss black retains a key element of Jaguar design DNA while also providing aerodynamic benefits.

Airflow also passes through the C-X75-derived bonnet scoop, helping to reduce drag. Slimline full LED headlights with Jaguar’s signature Double-J daytime running light motif further emphasize the vehicle’s clean lines. 

The I-PACE Concept’s cab-forward position, low bonnet and short overhangs provide the driver with an exceptional view of the road and the vehicle’s surroundings. Also, upon entering the I-PACE Concept, the driver can view the entire width of the flat floor through a cantilevered centre console, providing an immediate sense of the space the vehicle’s innovative design has created.

A full-length panoramic glass roof extends the sweeping angle of the windscreen and floods the I-PACE Concept’s interior with natural light. The glass integrates seamlessly into the interior thanks to a lozenge-patterned ceramic print that unites the roof with other interior surface finishes. At night, an array of LEDs embedded in the roof illuminate the patterned glass to create a stunning visual effect.

Even with the I-PACE Concept’s raked rear glass, its 530-litre luggage compartment volume comfortably exceeds the space offered by traditional SUVs. The front luggage compartment under the hood offers additional 28-litres.

The I-PACE Concept’s floating centre console is a key element in advances in Jaguar’s cockpit ergonomics, utility and performance. The console rises to connect with the dashboard and ensconce the driver, and provides a level of mechanical connection with the vehicle by positioning gearshift functions on its metal struts.

Information is shared with the driver with elegant simplicity. Graphic elements of the human machine interface (HMI) have an editorial, monochromatic feel with a warmer, more human focus, mirroring current technology trends. Lighter font weights and the sparing use of colour allows on-screen information to breathe, improving communication and reducing the driver’s information workload.

Touchscreens, intuitive rotary dials and multi-function buttons offer the perfect balance of tactile analogue controls and interactive digital interfaces, ensuring the driver’s eyes need only follow the road, not their fingers.

The primary interface is a 12-inch TFT touchscreen blended seamlessly into the surface of the instrument panel.

A separate, 5.5-inch secondary touchscreen is paired with two laser etched aluminium rotaries that encase vibrant HD circular displays. This allows occupants to configure infotainment and climate whilst keeping full screen information on the 12-inch display above.

The I-PACE Concept also features a configurable 12-inch HD virtual instrument cluster and a full-colour head-up display, ensuring that the driver is always presented with the information they need when and where they need it.

The I-PACE Concept also introduces a new three-spoke steering wheel with multi-function capacitive switches. These remain invisible until illuminated, improving aesthetics and putting more functionality at the driver’s fingertips. To make them more tactile, they also feature a ‘micro-click’ haptic when pressed.

Just like the state-of-the-art infotainment systems in Jaguar’s production cars, the I-PACE Concept features a Wi-Fi hotspot to enable occupants in every seat to stay connected and stream music, video and other data to their devices.

And, just like the production cars, I-PACE Concept also enables occupants to use apps on their iOS and Android smartphones through the vehicle’s main touchscreen using InControl Apps. The range of apps, optimised for in-vehicle use to reduce driver distraction, is growing all the time and now includes a unique Spotify app which is the first to offer recommended playlists on the Spotify homescreen. Users can get personalised ‘Just for You’ playlists which contain recommended tracks, meaning less time is spent scrolling though menus searching for music.

Jaguar is renowned for delivering a driver-focused performance and response. To deliver this, the I-PACE Concept has electric motors at the front and rear axles. Together these deliver 400PS and 700Nm of instant torque.

Electric all-wheel drive (AWD) delivers all-surface, all-weather driveability. Response is immediate and the system provides exceptional control over the front and rear torque distribution, responding immediately to driver inputs, road conditions and vehicle characteristics.

The I-PACE Concept’s dynamics and responsiveness are further improved by the battery’s ideal position beneath the floor and between the axles, which lowers the centre of gravity and reduces yaw inertia.

Rather than the conventional, offset configuration which places the transmission in front of the motor, the I-PACE concept features a more space-efficient concentric layout, which contributes directly to the excellent ground clearance and spacious interior.

Electrification also enables greater comfort: by selecting a higher level of regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic, for instance, the driver can drive with a single pedal, with no need to apply the brakes to halt the car.

To ensure drivers can enjoy and safely exploit the I-PACE Concept’s performance in even the worst conditions, the inherent benefits of all-wheel drive are enhanced with Jaguar’s unique state-of-the-art traction technologies, including All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) and Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR).

The sophisticated suspension design, the benefits of a low centre of gravity and incorporating all of the lessons learnt developing the F-TYPE and F-PACE will set the I-PACE Concept apart from all other electric vehicles. The front suspension system is the same double-wishbone configuration proven in the F-TYPE and F-PACE.

The high camber stiffness afforded by the lightweight aluminium double wishbone design is fundamental to agility and responsiveness – lateral forces at the tyres’ contact patches build very quickly, and the steering responds immediately and precisely to the driver’s every input.

And because of the superior roll camber gain characteristics inherent in the double wishbone system, the tyres’ contact patches are better maintained throughout the suspension’s full range of movement, helping to optimising traction under all conditions.

As a result, the bushes which manage longitudinal forces can be made softer and therefore the ride is smoother and impact absorption quieter. The bushes which manage lateral forces can be made stiffer for more precise handling and even greater responsiveness.

About Indera Motors SdnBhd

Indera Motors SdnBhd is the sole and exclusive distributor for Jaguar and Land Rover in Brunei. Headed by YAM Pg Anak Hj Abdul Ghaffar bin PISDSK Pg Anak Hj Idris as the Managing Director, Indera Motors acquired the franchise in 2013 with Jaguar brands ranging from XE, XF, XJ, F-Pace and F-Type and Land Rover brands ranging from Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Sports, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover.

Indera Motors SdnBhd strive to be the most preferred super premium brand in Brunei with the best offerings in its range of vehicles in its respective segments. Indera Motors will continue to improve its business and products philosophy in exceeding customers’ expectations and providing excellent aftersales services.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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