Jaguar highly debated rebrand is approaching a major milestone with the first production-ready car. The production version of the Type 00 Concept—informally called the GT—is now at a stage where the company is allowing select media a close-up experience. While full test drives aren’t yet available, journalists are getting 20-minute demonstration rides on Jaguar’s private network of test tracks.
A High-End Jaguar Must Deliver
Jaguar Land Rover’s test tracks are built to expose any flaws in a new vehicle as quickly as possible. While this approach isn’t unique—it’s standard practice across the industry—it provides some important context. Jaguar wasn’t giving rides on flawless stretches of pavement just to impress visitors; these tracks are designed to test the car under demanding conditions.
Before taking the car out on the track, some details have emerged. Autocar provided an in-depth look, particularly at the suspension, which must perform flawlessly for what’s expected to be Jaguar’s priciest model since the XJ220 supercar—especially considering it could weigh close to three tons.
The car features a three-motor electric setup, with two motors at the front and one at the rear. While torque distribution can vary, the default is roughly a 30/70 front-to-rear split. Altogether, the three motors produce around 1,000 horsepower—more than enough to match the car’s striking presence.
Every corner is equipped with a three-chamber air suspension, promising a ride that’s both smooth and controlled. This computer-managed adaptive system also offers selectable modes for comfort or performance, allowing the car to adjust seamlessly to different driving conditions.
Autocar claimed the ride “easily eclipses JLR’s best SUV,” no small achievement given the latest Range Rover. Motor Trend described it as “a true grand touring Jaguar—silky quick on twisty roads yet rock-solid through sweeping freeway curves.” While these impressions are promising, a full evaluation will require testing the car on real-world roads.
The car’s proportions are just as dramatic in person as they appear in photos. Stretching roughly 212 inches—about the length of a Chevrolet Tahoe—but standing only 55 inches tall, it commands attention. Its massive 23-inch wheels almost seem understated within the wheel arches, while the gap between the firewall and front axle feels unusually expansive.
Given the enormous space between the firewall and front axle, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jaguar included a front luggage compartment in that area. The extended wheelbase also necessitated four-wheel steering; without it, the car’s turning circle would feel more like trying to maneuver a cargo ship into port—and not one equipped with modern bow thrusters, either.
This Could Be Jaguar’s Biggest Triumph—or Its Final Purr
This new Jaguar will be built on a brand-new platform at a new factory, featuring a rigid skateboard chassis that takes full advantage of the long wheelbase to house an exceptionally long, slim battery. The goal is to keep the battery low and unobtrusive, avoiding the bulky, top-heavy feel found in many other EVs.
Jaguar is under intense pressure to deliver by the end of 2025. The year has been challenging, with a lack of new models, delays to this flagship vehicle, and a cyberattack that shut down production at Land Rover for months.
Jaguar’s rebrand hasn’t exactly been met with enthusiasm, but a successful launch of this car could change perceptions dramatically. While it won’t move huge volumes due to its size, it has the potential to deliver strong profits and secure Jaguar’s future.
Can Jaguar achieve success with a high-end electric grand tourer? We’ll have a clearer picture this summer when the car is officially revealed, and certainty will come when it hits showrooms in 2027.
