The Type 00 Concept has hit the streets of London just as JLR’s design chief got the boot
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- Jaguar marks its 90th ann. showing the Type 00 concept in London Red
- British brand will unveil a dramatic four-door production EV next year.
- Rides on Jaguar’s new electrical platform with a range of around 430 miles
This time last year, Jaguar revealed the wild Type 00 concept, the first look at its all-electric future and a statement of intent to compete with Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
As testing of the production version continues, a matte red example of the concept has been spotted on London’s streets, celebrating the marque’s 90th anniversary and coinciding with the unexpected departure of its longtime design chief and the person behind the brand’s polarizing rebrand.
The Type 00 was originally shown in Miami Pink and London Blue during the official launch. Earlier this year, the model was dressed in a French Ultramarine livery and made a surprise appearance during the Paris Fashion Week.
Read: Jaguar’s Future GT Has No Rear Window And No Patience For Cargo
The company has now revealed a fourth color variation – the striking London Red with a matte finish – as the concept arrives in the UK capital. The new shade was inspired by the redbrick Victorian architecture in Kensington – one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Jaguar
The repainted concept was photographed alongside a classic Jaguar SS from 1935 in front of the Chancery Rosewood hotel.
If you were wondering, no other changes have been made to the exterior design of the concept, which still rides on the same 23-inch alloy wheels. The minimalist interior features white and gray upholstery with warm ambient lighting.
A bunch of photos shared on LinkedIn by Director of Jaguar UK, Santino Pietrosanti, show the Jaguar Type 00 posing next to exotics from other brands such as the Bugatti Chiron, Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge, Ferrari F8 Tributo, and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.
Santino Pietrosanti / LinkedIn
The British brand has made several questionable decisions as part of its rebrand, most notably its controversial ad campaign that didn’t actually feature a single car. It was also rather odd that it initially showcased the Type 00 in a bright shade of pink, which didn’t do the car any favors.
But, painted in matte red and pictured out in public, the Type 00 does look better. In some regards, it’s similar to the Tesla Cybertruck, sporting a design so unlike any other vehicle on the market that you can’t help but stare at it. Like the Cybertruck, people appear to either love or absolutely hate the Jaguar’s design.
The Road Car
Recent prototypes of the eventual production model suggest it will stick true to the radical shape of the concept. However, the roadcar will hit the market with a four-door bodystyle and a longer wheelbase, underpinned by the new Jaguar Electrical Architecture.
More: Jaguar’s Future GT Has No Rear Window And No Patience For Cargo
As per recent reports, the EV should have a driving range of up to 430 miles (692 km) and support fast charging, adding 200 miles (322 km) of range in just 15 minutes.
Only time will tell if those who would ordinarily shop for a Bentley or Rolls-Royce will be willing to spend their money on a vehicle that looks as controversial as this.
JLR Design Chief Axed
In separate news, it has been confirmed that Jaguar Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern has departed from the brand. No official reason has been given for this high-profile departure, but it comes shortly after former chief financial officer at Tata, PB Balaji, was named as JLR’s new chief executive.
Citing insider sources, Autocar India reports that McGovern was “escorted out of the office” on Monday, with his contract being terminated with immediate effect. The man behind Jaguar’s relaunch has spend over two decades at JLR, being responsible for successful models including the new Land Rover Defender.
According to business economics professor at the University of Birmingham, David Bailey, McGovern’s exit marks a “symbolic end of an era.” He told The Guardian that it may also be a sign that Tata wants to exert more control over the British company.
Thanos Pappas contributed to this story.
