Jaguar Eyes High-Performance I-Pace EV

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. plans to eventually offer a performance variant of its I-Pace electric crossover vehicle.

Such a model is a question of “when, not if,” Michael van der Sande, who heads Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations, tells Autocar. But he didn’t provide a timeline or any details about the SVO I-Pace.

Van der Sande says SVO’s near-term priorities are to launch unspecified higher volume models. Last year, the group sold about 6,000 souped-up Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

Launched in 2018, the base I-Pace (pictured) is powered by a pair of electric motors that produce a combined 395 hp and 513 lb-ft of torque. The system can propel the EV from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

SVO already builds eTrophy versions of the I-Pace for use in the Formula E electric race car series. Van der Sande notes that the race cars have taught JLR a lot about battery management and other software systems in extreme operating conditions.

JLR previously has said it will offer hybrid and all-electric powertrain options in all new Jaguar and Range Rover vehicles. This includes an EV variant of the next-generation XJ large sedan.