As Jaguar prepares to launch the I-PACE in the US market, the automaker is making the most of the time by putting the all-electric SUV through its paces on American racetracks, indulging in a thrilling experience.
The British automaker sets a new record for electric vehicle lap times at California’s Laguna Seca race track, eclipsing Tesla performance in the process.
The definition of ‘form of’ manufacturing EVs is contentious depending on how one defines an electric vehicle (EV). The motivating force can often create a significant difference.
Jaguar challenged renowned racing driver Randy Pobst to set a record lap time in a production-spec 2019 Jaguar I-PACE HSE First Edition, sans any modifications, resulting in a remarkable 1:48.18 achievement.
We recently reported on a Tesla Model S P100D setting a new lap record with a blistering 1:47.62 time; however, it flew under the radar due to Lucid Motors piloting the vehicle as part of its own car’s demonstration program at the event.
Jaguar claims the car had subtle tweaks, potentially issuing a document matching its I-PACE specifications – a reasonable move given Lucid Motors’ likely reluctance to dispute this assertion.
Watch Pobst’s full documentary lap with the I-Tempo on MotorTrend’s channel.
Good on Jaguar. While the I-Tempo boasts impressive fuel economy as a crossover – and its unique styling does challenge traditional notions of an SUV.
That stated, I am confident that this document will likely be rejected again in the coming months.
For years, Tesla owners have been clocking in times around 1:48 with stock cars. If you put a professional driver at the helm of a Model S P100D or a Model 3 Performance, I’m confident they could surpass that mark.
Here is the rewritten text:
“We previously reported that a Tesla Model 3 RWD with minor modifications recorded a lap time of 1:48.667 last month.”
Despite this, the I-Tempo still shines in the US market.
