Jaguar is pushing ahead with prototypes of its new all-electric four-door luxury GT with a round of cold-weather testing deep inside the Arctic Circle. The latest development phase is taking place on frozen lakes near Arjeplog, Sweden, a familiar proving ground for manufacturers dialing in traction and stability tuning in the extreme cold.
Jaguar says the Arctic program is part of the most comprehensive validation effort it’s undertaken, involving 150 prototypes covering hundreds of thousands of miles across deserts, sub-zero environments, and in advanced virtual testing systems. Engineers are using the harsh conditions to tune the GT’s electric propulsion, chassis, and control systems.
The as-yet-unnamed four-door GT will feature more than 1,000 horsepower, making it the most powerful production Jaguar ever, delivered through a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Torque Vectoring. Jaguar says the winter testing allows it to refine drive modes and calibrations for its all-wheel steering, dynamic air suspension, active twin-valve dampers, and a new 23-inch winter tire.
The Arctic conditions are also ideal for testing Jaguar’s ThermAssist thermal management system, which is designed to reduce heating energy consumption by up to 40% while recovering waste heat to warm the cabin or propulsion system. This technology aims to help preserve driving range in cold climates.
Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric four-door GT will be no different, says Matt Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director. The all-electric four-door GT is expected to be revealed later this year and will follow the design direction previewed by the Jaguar Type 00 concept.