Daily News: Thursday 9/7/17

Jaguar Electrifies it’s Lineup by 2020

During Jaguar/Land Rover’s first Tech Fest event this year, Jaguar debuted its vision for an electric vehicle future by demonstrating its electric models from the past, present and future. Most strikingly, they announced a retro-fit package for classic Series I & II E-Types (pictured above) which replaces the engine and transmission with a battery pack and motor, creating a classic EV.

Working through their Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, the company developed a battery pack and electric motor matching the physical dimensions of the original XK engine. At 46lbs lighter, this means that the classic handling characteristics of the car are not threatened, and no body or frame modification has to be made to fit the package.

While only one has been produced as of yet, enquiries regarding E-type Zero–as they have dubbed it–should be made using: +44 (0)203 601 1255 or info@classic.jaguar.co.uk.

While the E-Type Zero was the ‘past’ version of Jaguar’s electric debut, the picture above demonstrates the rest of their vision. The I-Pace concept is soon to be a reality, and has been detailed and teased in the past. The Future-Type is a vision of what Jaguar would like to aspire to.

Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, said: “Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice. We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles. Our first fully electric performance SUV, the Jaguar I-PACE, goes on sale next year.”

Whether this electrification comes in the form of hybrids or full EV’s, this was not mentioned. With an industry-wide shift to 48volt power systems inevitably looming, creating many mild-hybrids, many company’s could be saying the same thing as Jaguar.

Baby Raptor: Ford South Africa Confirms Ranger-Based ‘Raptor’

Ever since the Ford F-150-based Raptor hit the dirt, Ford fans have been clamoring for the company to Raptor-ify all of the things. When it was announced that the new Ranger mid-size pickup would be coming to the US, one of the first questions we ungrateful masses asked for was, “Where is the Ranger Raptor?”.

Well, as it turns out, the Ranger Raptor has been busy catching some air in Australia. Luckily, a video crew was nearby…

While in Australia, it was Ford of South Africa which revealed the ride, saying that the truck will be equipped with “purpose-built, desert-racing-inspired” Ford Performance parts in a special variant. Sadly, they also confirmed that this new model will only be sold in the Australian and South African markets.

We never get to have any fun….*ungrateful grumbling*…