Jaguar I-TYPE makes first regional appearance

Jaguar Land Rover announced today that Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s all-electric Formula E race car, the I-TYPE 2 will be making its debut in the Middle East at the Dubai International Motor Show on November 14, 2017.

Designed and engineered to deliver an optimum balance between power and efficiency, the I-TYPE 2 accelerates from 0-100km/h in a stunning 2.9 seconds and can regenerate up to 150kW of energy under braking to extend its range.

Formula E has quickly established itself as an exciting addition to the motorsport calendar, and for those who are not sure what all the fuss is about, they will get the chance to actually feel what it’s like to pilot the I-TYPE race car through an immersive virtual reality experience at Dubai International Motor Show. 

Bruce Robertson, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA, said: “The world around us is changing, making a huge step into the era of electrification. Jaguar I-TYPE 2 reinforces Jaguar’s long-term commitment to develop premium battery electric vehicles. Our partnership with Panasonic Jaguar Racing is the perfect platform to bring this shift to life and to reiterate Jaguar’s commitment to innovation, technology and sustainability. We are very proud to be able to showcase the new I-TYPE 2 for the first time in the Middle East at Dubai International Motor Show.”

With a dynamic new livery design and a significant number of technical upgrades, the second generation of Jaguar Racing’s I-TYPE, has already begun the next evolutionary cycle in Panasonic Jaguar Racing. 

On race weekends throughout practice and qualifying sessions, maximum power is permitted. During races, however, all cars run in power-saving race mode with the option to deploy their 'Push-to-Pass' which delivers maximum power for a limited period of 5 seconds. 

The amount of energy that can be delivered to the Motor-Generator Unit (MGU) by the Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) batteries is limited to 28 kW which is strictly monitored by the FIA. 

POWER UNIT
Jaguar Racing’s 200kW power unit is made up of a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and a Motor Control Unit (MCU). The MCU efficiently converts DC current from the battery into high density AC current, allowing the MGU to propel the car to its maximum speed of 140mph (225km/h).

SUSPENSION
Essential to fast lap times is precision handling, especially on Formula E’s city centre race tracks. The I-TYPE 2 is equipped with pushrod operated double wishbone front suspension, with twin dampers and torsion bars. At the rear is a coil over suspension system with four way dampers. The ride height, dampers, camber, toe and anti- roll bars are all adjustable to optimise the set up for each track.

BRAKES
During a race, as much as possible, drivers will reduce speed on the approach to a corner using regenerative braking. However, additional stopping power is also needed for lower speed corners. Any unwanted speed is immediately scrubbed off by the I-TYPE 2’s carbon brakes, utilising two separate hydraulic systems to allow the driver to adjust the front to rear balance.

WHEELS & TYRES
Providing optimum grip at racing speeds in both wet and dry conditions is a set of bespoke 18” treaded Michelin tyres. Max width front - 260mm / rear 305mm Max Diameter – front 650mm / rear 690mm

GEARBOX
To turn instant torque from the power unit into instant acceleration, the I-TYPE 2 has a lightweight two gear Jaguar Racing Sequential Gearbox operated with a paddle shift. The gear ratios devised by Jaguar Racing provide the fastest, smoothest path from grid to top speed.

RESS
The Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) is a high voltage, liquid cooled battery that supplies energy to the Power Unit. Before the race it is charged externally, but is also charged during the race via regenerative braking that can harvest as much as seven lap’s worth of energy during a race.