Jaguar Develops Electric Powertrain Fit for the Most Beautiful Car in the World

Back in 2014, Jaguar revealed the resurrected Lightweight E-Type. This built-to-original-specs sports car wowed enthusiasts and drained wallets. Recently, Jaguar revealed a new, more modern, take on this classic design with the E-Type Zero.

This sports car is based on the 1968 Series 1 E-Type Roadster, so it boasts all the elegance the original E-Type had. It’s so gorgeous, in fact, even Enzo Ferrari himself dubbed it “the most beautiful car in the world.” But there is one big difference between this model and the factory-tuned E-Type: it’s powertrain.

Jaguar E-Type Zero (Credit: © Jaguar)

Under the lightweight skin of this concept is an all-electric powertrain that includes an electric motor that injects 220 kW (295 horsepower). Fueling this electric powerplant is a 40-kWh battery pack that allows the E-Type Zero to travel 170 miles on a single charge.

Jaguar made certain to develop the motor and battery pack to weigh nearly the same as the inline-six engine that originally powered this roadster. The result is a vehicle that weighs just 46 kg (101.4 pounds) less than the original model, keeping the suspension and chassis modifications to a minimum.

Jaguar E-Type Zero (Credit: © Jaguar)

Other than its electric powertrain, the E-Type Zero sets itself apart from its classic donor car in two ways. First, for efficiency, Jaguar installed LED headlights. Second, this model is a full second quicker to 62 mph than the gasoline-fueled version at 5.5 seconds.

There is no mention of this ever being a production vehicle in the same way the revived E-Type was, but it may be a possibility. Jaguar is directing all inquiries regarding this model to its Classic division, which you can reach at +44 (0) 203-601-1255.