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Jaguar Land Rover bets on electrified diesel

Wednesday, 8 July 2020

The history of the Jaguar XJ

Jaguar Land Rover has told Autocar UK that it will continue to invest in cleaner diesel technology as well as pushing development of clean petrol, battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Product engineering boss Nick Rogers told the publication, in light of the coronavirus pandemic: 'We really believe that customers will be focused on being cleaner, safer and smarter than ever before. Electrification will become ever-more important, but potentially in a smart way.”

“For a lot of people, the cleanest, most efficient way of transportation is still diesel or petrol.”

The I-Pace remains the sole pure-electric Jaguar until the next-gen XJ debuts late this year.
The I-Pace remains the sole pure-electric Jaguar until the next-gen XJ debuts late this year.

The emphasis on diesel power goes against what we’ve seen from other manufacturers, which have taken steps to drop diesel entirely.

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Jaguar’s line-up is getting cleaner and cleaner whilst retaining diesel propulsion.
Jaguar’s line-up is getting cleaner and cleaner whilst retaining diesel propulsion.

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The F-Type has just been facelifted so it’ll stick around in internal combustion form for a bit longer.
The F-Type has just been facelifted so it’ll stick around in internal combustion form for a bit longer.

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However, Rogers reckons that if you combine diesel power with a plug-in hybrid system, the green creds will be enough justify the development costs and sway potential buyers.

At the moment, JLR offers three PHEV models, the Range Rover, Evoque and Discovery Sport, all powered by petrol.

As for fully electric models, a trademark has been recently applied for by Jaguar indicating its next sports car will be an EV.

The name registered is ‘EV-Type’, which could spawn as the replacement for the F-Type.

While trademarks don’t necessarily indicate forthcoming models or technology, an electric sports car has been on Jaguar's radar for a while now. The ‘Type’ suffix indicates this is the intention, as the only models to use that are sports cars.

Ex-Jag designer Ian Callum said he left Jaguar with the design for a mid-engined sports car aping the looks of the C-X75, a supercar that ended up on the cutting room floor as a result of the 2008 global financial crisis.

The F-Type won’t be replaced for a few years yet, however. The model has just had a refresh and Jaguar doesn’t yet have a platform that could underpin an electric sports car. Give it time, though.

Alongside powertrain development, JLR is also increasing the use of recycled materials in its vehicles. Additionally, the carmaker wants to improve the air quality in cabins and reduce ‘cognitive load’ on drivers with functions like keyless entry.