Jaguar reveals its first electric vehicle through virtual reality experience

Jaguar has released its first ever electric vehicle, and for the first time in history, the company has launched the vehicle through a completely immersive, virtual reality experience.

“The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design,” said Ian Callum, director of design. “It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.

“Our virtual reality reveal today has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car. We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal. For the first time, VR has allowed us to share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible.”

This unique and world-first ‘social VR’ reveal is believed to be the largest live and connected VR event of its type to date. Throughout the day more than 300 guests were transported into a specially created life-like virtual space, into which, two of the car’s creators, Ian Callum and Ian Hoban were projected.

From VR hubs in Los Angeles and London, groups of 66 guests including A-list stars Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Kerr, James Corden and David Gandy, used HTC Vive Business Edition headsets, powered by Dell Precision workstations, to put themselves inside the concept car and interact live with other participants. Guests ‘sat’ on the concept’s virtual seats, had a 360 view of Venice Beach as the concept was built piece by piece around them, and saw the I-PACE Concept race towards them across a virtual desert.

The I-PACE has electric motors on the front and rear axles. Their combined output is 400PS and 700Nm of torque – the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR, accelerating from 0-60mph in around four seconds. For rapid charging, using a typical public 50 KW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over 2 hours – enough to deliver more than a 220 mile range.

“For the first time in history, a global automotive brand has used fully immersive VR to launch their latest car,” said Ross Wheeler, head of automotive at Imagination. “This launch takes the individual far beyond any new car experience they would have witnessed before, allowing people across the globe to connect in real time, be fully immersed within the vehicle and share live together their experience of Jaguar’s first ever electric vehicle.”

www.media.jaguar.com