- Jaguar’s new electric four-door GT is undergoing Arctic testing.
- The tri-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain delivers more than 746kW.
- ThermAssist thermal management aims to reduce cabin heating energy use by up to 40%.
Jaguar has taken prototypes of its new all-electric luxury four-door GT to the Arctic Circle for the latest phase of cold-weather testing, ahead of a reveal slated for later this year.
The programme is part of what the brand calls its most comprehensive development effort ever, with engineers tuning electric propulsion and chassis systems to deliver “true Jaguar dynamics, performance and comfort” across extremes.
Minus 40°C, because why not
The winter test location is Arjeplog, Sweden, where temperatures can drop as low as -40°C.
Jaguar says frozen-lake running is being used to refine the drive modes and calibrate the car’s control systems, with the goal of combining “instinctive responses” with “calming comfort”.
Jaguar claims the broader validation programme includes 150 prototypes covering “hundreds of thousands of miles” across hot desert highways, frozen lakes and virtual testing environments. It’s being pitched as the most rigorous global validation schedule in the company’s history.
Big numbers and bigger control
Jaguar is putting a sizeable stake in the ground on performance: it says the new four-door GT will have “more than 1,000PS”. Converted, that’s more than 746kW, which Jaguar says will make it the most powerful Jaguar production car ever made.
Power delivery will be handled by an all-wheel-drive tri-motor set-up with Intelligent Torque Vectoring, designed to distribute torque “more quickly and precisely than ever before” for confident handling in all conditions. Engineers are also finalising calibration work for all-wheel steering, dynamic air suspension, active twin-valve dampers and a bespoke new 23-inch winter tyre, all working alongside propulsion torque control.
Range, warmth and a bit of theatre
Sub-zero testing is also being used to validate Jaguar’s ThermAssist thermal management technology. The system is claimed to cut cabin-heating energy use by up to 40% and recover heat to warm either the propulsion system or cabin in ambient temperatures as low as -10°C, with the aim of protecting driving range in cold conditions.
Vehicle Engineering Director Mat Becker says the new model aims to keep Jaguar’s traditional feel intact. “Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric four-door GT will be no different,” he said. “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.”
Jaguar says the car will debut later this year and will follow the “Exuberant Modernist” design direction previewed by the Type 00 design vision. DRIVEN Car Guide understands Jaguar has not disclosed a name, pricing, battery capacity or range figures yet.
