Rumors surrounding a possible SVR version of the Jaguar I-Pace have been around ever since the electric SUV went on sale last year, and solidifying them was the company’s SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) chief, Michael van der Sande.
During a sit-down with Autocar, he confirmed that the I-Pace SVR is a matter of “when, not if”, admitting that they have learned a lot from the I-Pace eTrophy racers that support the Formula E championship.
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“Those cars all come from our base in Oxford Road and they’ve taught us a lot. By the time you fit the roll cage and race kit, they’re only slightly lighter than standard”, he said.
One major issue that Jag needs to address is the battery tech, as the “cycle is very different in racing”, van der Sande admitted. “We’ve already learned plenty about battery management, heat management and software development that could be useful for road cars. When the call comes, we’ll be ready.”
While the eTrophy stays true to the original recipe, putting out 400 PS (395 HP / 294 kW), the I-Pace SVR is believed to get a small bump in power. Combined with the weight reduction, it will be faster from rest to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) than the standard model, which needs 4.8 seconds, and maxes out at 200 km/h (124 mph). The I-Pace can travel for 480 km (298 miles) on a single charge in the WLTP cycle.
Note: Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy pictured
