Jaguar I-Pace Sets EV Lap Record At Laguna Seca

Jaguar is gearing up for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by announcing the I-Pace has set a new electric vehicle lap record at Laguna Seca.

The record setting attempt was made by professional racing driver Randy Pobst who piloted a “showroom stock” I-Pace HSE First Edition. Thanks to the crossover’s powerful electric motors, which produce a combined output of 394 hp (293 kW / 399 PS) and 512 lb-ft (693 Nm) of torque, Pobst was able to lap Laguna Seca in 1:48.18.

According to Fastestlaps.com, this means the I-Pace posted a faster lap time than the BMW 335i coupe, Mazda RX-8 and Ford Focus ST. However, the model was slower than the BMW i8, Chevrolet Camaro SS and Subaru WRX STI. The site doesn’t list any electric vehicles, so it’s possible that the I-Pace set the electric vehicle record just by showing up.

Regardless, the I-Pace is a pretty impressive beast as it can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 124 mph (199 km/h). The model also has a nearly 50:50 weight distribution and a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which enables the all-wheel drive crossover to have an estimated range of 240 miles (386 km). When the battery is depleted, it can be given an 80 percent charge in approximately 40 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger.

Pricing starts at $69,500 – before government incentives – and the first deliveries are slated to begin earlier this year. Besides the impressive performance, the entry-level I-Pace has a panoramic glass roof, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and sport seats. Buyers will also find a Touch Pro Duo system which features a 10-inch infotainment system and a lower 5-inch display for accessing climate control and convenience features.