As the Jaguar I-PACE, the brand’s inaugural all-electric vehicle, prepares for its official launch, keen-eyed enthusiasts are scrutinizing prototype sightings to catch a first look at the production model.
A recent sighting in Monaco has confirmed the presence of an automobile racing around a track without camouflage.
The latest spotting earlier this month solidified the notion that the I-Tempo’s camouflaged appearance, from head to toe, suggested a manufacturing prototype undergoing scrutiny.
Following its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2016, the production-ready prototype is scheduled to be unveiled by year-end 2017, likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and is expected to enter manufacturing lines in the second half of 2018, according to the automaker. The initial market response to the new product was remarkably swift, with a rapid escalation into production driven by the overwhelmingly positive reception of the automotive innovation from day one.
As cameras captured the scene on the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix track, a sleek and unassuming Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Vehicle (EV), popularly known as the I-Tempo, was spotted speeding effortlessly across the circuit.
As cameras pan across the screen, it’s likely that Jaguar is preparing promotional content for an upcoming vehicle reveal, potentially showcasing the production model itself.
Prior to its release, Jaguar indicated that the concept would closely mirror the production version, due in part to a relatively swift manufacturing timeline.
The Jaguar I-PACE is a performance-oriented SUV equipped with a 90 kWh battery pack, boasting an impressive range of over 500 kilometres, as certified by the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The automaker has officially clarified that its electric vehicle is capable of a concentrated range of approximately 220 miles on EPA testing cycles.
The value remains the biggest mystery surrounding the new automobile, but industry insiders anticipate a competitive pricing strategy that could rival Tesla’s Model X and Audi’s e-tron quattro, both set to debut around the same timeframe next year.
Alongside the highly anticipated Tesla Model 3 and next-generation Nissan Leaf, the I-Tempo is poised to join a select group of new long-range all-electric vehicles entering the market over the next year.
