In 1961, the Jaguar E-type was labeled as one of the best looking cars of all time. Even Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” Now Jaguar has turned the retro E-type into an electric car, which the automaker calls the E-type Zero.
To create the E-type Zero, Jaguar started with a 1968 Series 1.5 Jaguar E-type Roadster. Its six-cylinder combustion engine was then swapped out for an electric powertrain with 295 horsepower. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions and weight as the original engine and it’s even placed in the exact same location as the former transmission.
Even with the new electric powertrain and its components, Jaguar managed to cut 100 pounds from the original car’s weight. This means that it drives and handles just like the original E-type, while emitting zero emissions. Thanks to its electric powertrain, the E-type Zero is actually faster than the original E-type with a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds, about one second quicker than the original. The electric powertrain uses some of the same parts as the upcoming I-Pace electric car and has a driving range up to 170 miles.
“We have integrated the new electric powertrain into the existing E-type structure, which means a conventional engine could be reinstalled at any point,” said Tim Hannig, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic. “We think this is essential as it ensures a period Jaguar remains authentic to its DNA”.
Images @Jaguar
