Frankfurt Motor Show: Jaguar i-Pace race series announced

Jaguar’s I-Pace concept, revealed at the Frankfurt Motor show, has also been announced to be the basis for a new racing series to support Formula E.

The series, dubbed the I-Pace eTrophy, will see up to 20 Jaguar I-Paces go head to head across 10 races set in city streets.

Hong Kong, Paris, Sao Paolo and New York have already been listed as locations for races, though the series should mostly follow Formula E from race to race.

This new series – and the I-Pace itself - come as a response to the British government’s announcement it aims to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2040.

Jaguar also committed to releasing only either hybrid or battery powered cars from 2020.

The I-Pace cars will be built by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in the UK, and will be available in road-going form late in 2018.

Jaguar Racing chair Gerd Mäuser says the series is an example of Jaguar’s commitment to battery electric vehicles, and to motorsport.

“We’ve always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track – this is the proof.

“I am looking forward to seeing a full grid of Jaguar I-PACE racecars in late 2018, soon after the first Jaguar I-PACE hits the road in Europe.”

Founder and CEO of Formula E Alejandro Agag has welcomed Jaguar to formula E, and says the addition of a new series is ever better.

“Jaguar has been a welcome addition to FIA Formula E Championship and a fantastic advocate for electric street racing.

“I’m delighted that in addition to the Panasonic Jaguar Racing team competing on the FIA Formula E Championship grid, we will be adding to our race day schedule with a competitive new support series for season five.

“The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy will bring more entertainment for fans in-between sessions and will be a further testament to the advances in battery technology and exciting electric performance.”