Jaguar I-Pace Concept - Another Shiny Star at the 2016 LA Auto Show + VIDEO

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

LOS ANGELES - November 28, 2016: Last week, we reported about the Cadillac Escala Concept, one of the stars in the Los Angeles Convention Center. Another concept car that lighted up the LA Auto Show is the Jaguar I-Pace that previews the brand’s first all-electric car, which is expected in 2018.

A while ago we heard about Jaguar’s plans to develop an electric car, but that the I-Pace Concept turned out to be such a stylish SUV was quite a surprise. Or, may be not! In recent years, the new models that rolled out of the company’s design center are all looking great, sporty and sophisticated.

Also the latest Concept is unmistakably a product of the team led by Design Director Ian Callum. Jaguar decided to be somewhat unconventional, especially since the new model was going to be an electric SUV, because that is the fastest growing segment in the world. The EV concept shows the typical nose and the rear styling of the F-Pace, which will most likely be carried over in the production model, since cooling is essential and the large grille allows a good air flow. The I-Pace supposedly will have a range of 500 km (310 miles).

The Brits use a new aluminum architecture and much of the hardware of the F-Pace SUV, including the double-wishbone front axle, which minimizes the turning circle, and the integral link rear suspension. The new multi-link rear suspension provides space for the second electric motor. The housing of the battery pack is an integral part of the body structure. The battery pack has been developed by Jaguar in-house and has a good capacity of 90 kWh. Charging 80 per cent will take 90 minutes, while a full charge from a 50 kW DC will take somewhat more than 2 hours.

The drive unit consists of two synchronous permanent magnet electric motors, one integrated into each axle and teamed with a single-speed planetary gear. The power train will provide immediate response from a standstill and fast distribution of torque between the two axles.

Each motor produces the equivalent of 200 hp, meaning the I-Pace Concept has 400 hp and 700 Nm/ 516 pound feet of torque. Jaguar claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4 seconds.

The compact drive unit is placed in the floor structure and enables a small ground clearance and consequently a low center of gravity, some 120 mm/4.7 inches lower than the F-Pace.

The lithium-ion battery has 36 modules, each with twelve cells, together weighing 600 kilos. Cooling circuit and electric machines weigh another 280 kilos. The I-Pace puts 2100 kilos/4,620 pounds on the scale - 300 kg/661 lbs more than the F-Pace. The wheelbase of the I-Pace concept is extended by 11.5 centimeters/4.5 inches compared to the F-Pace and measures 2.99 meter/ 117.7 in., allowing for a roomy cabin with good leg room in the rear and a 530 liter/18.7 cu.ft. trunk. The overall length of the concept car is 4,68 m/164.2 in.

Since the passengers sit further forward and deeper, the roof is lower (1,56 m/61.4 in.) and the ‘bold’ shoulders and rear fenders add to an aerodynamic stance.

Just like the F-Pace, Jaguar is not the first to offer an electric SUV, but according to Ian Callum, the I-Pace is a new chapter in the history of the brand, the one of the future.

The I-Pace will be produced by Magna Steyr in Austria. Jaguar Land Rover, owned by Indian company Tata, had contracted Canadian owned Magna Steyr a couple of years ago for production of upcoming models, such as the new Land Rover Discovery and an electric vehicle’. Production of the Mini Countryman has been moved out of Magna Steyr to The Netherlands. The Austrian plant will also start production of the new BMW 5 Series CE.