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The Jaguar I-Pace has already proven itself to be a formidable entry into the quickly expanding electric crossover segment, but now Jaguar’s proving it can perform on the track as well.
The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy is a spec racing car for an upcoming one-make racing series that will follow the Formula E calendar. It’s based on the production I-Pace, but features dedicated racing aerodynamics, lightweight wheels, an FIA compliant rollcage and other motorsport add-ons. It’s not clear if it will be powered by the same powertrain as the stock I-Pace, which uses four electric motors to produce 395bhp and 516lb ft. The production I-Pace also has a 90kWh lithium-ion battery and a range of around 240 miles.
Jaguar rolled out its I-Pace eTrophy for testing during the Berlin ePrix Formula E race this past week, where Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag drove the car for five laps. His initial impressions were positive, but the I-Pace eTrophy’s true test will come when it contests its first race later this year.
SEE ALSO: How Jaguar Made the Electric I-Pace So Good Looking
“The eTROPHY car feels great – it looks like a production road vehicle with the performance of a racecar,” Agag said. “This series is all about bringing new innovative technology to a wider audience, and the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY is a perfect platform to do this alongside Formula E. I’ve been a strong supporter of Jaguar since they joined the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and it’s been exciting to help shape the future of the sport alongside them. I look forward to seeing more of these cars line-up on the grid next season.”
Jaguar is expecting 20 of the I-Pace eTrophy cars to race next season – an extremely full grid by any measure. Color us excited – who wouldn’t want to watch 20 electric crossovers beating and banging on the tight and technical circuits that Formula E runs on?
You can see a recap of Michelin’s tire test with the I-Pace eTrophy embedded below ahead of the vehicle’s first race later this year. It’s likely the best look most of will get of the car in motion – unless you were lucky enough to be present for Agag’s demo run in Berlin this past weekend.
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