Jaguar I-Pace Concept Shows An Electrifying Future

This is the I-Pace concept and it previews an electric crossover that will be going on sale in 2018.

The big story is underneath the I-Pace's sleek sheetmetal. This concept isn't riding on the same platform as the F-Pace crossover. Instead, the I-Pace debuts a new dedicated electric vehicle architecture which the automaker says allows their designers and enginners to rip apart the rules on vehicle layout. For example, the 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack resides underneath the floor of the cabin. This allowed designers to maximze interior space. Open the rear tailgate and you'll find a flat load area offering 18.7 cubic feet of space.

The battery pack offers a maximum range of 220 miles. While that's under the 250 mile range of the Model X - the model that the I-Pace will be compared to - the 220 mile range is nothing to complain about.

Power comes from two electric motors, one mounted in each axle with 200 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Total output stands at 400 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar says the I-Pace can hit 60 mph in 4 seconds.

Back to the sheetmetal. Jaguar's designers pulled a number of cues from the C-X75 supercar concept from 2010 such as heavily sculpted hood and raked windshield. The lack of an engine and transmission also allowed Jaguar designers to employ cab-forward design, allowing them to increase interior space and shorten the front and rear overhangs. At certain angles, the I-Pace looks like a crossover. At others, it looks like a hatchback.

The interior looks concept-esq with slim seats and a large number of screens. But there are certain details that will likely make into the production model such as steering wheel with new touch-style switches. A panaromic sunroof increases the overall feeling of space.

Jaguar is taking reservations for the production I-Pace online, something that Tesla has been doing for awhile.

The production version of the I-Pace concept will debut an auto show sometime next year.

Pic Credit: Jaguar