The UK dynamic debut of the Jaguar I-Type 2 Formula E race car has seen the vehicle set a new electric car course record at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire. The record attempt – a partnership between GKN Driveline and the Panasonic Jaguar Racing Formula E team – saw the car break the previous record by 6.84 seconds.
“In breaking the electric car course record with the Jaguar I-Type 2, we’ve helped to show the incredible potential of pure electric drive to an ever-broader group of enthusiasts,” said Gordon Day from GKN’s Innovation Centre in Abingdon, UK. “It was a privilege to partner with Panasonic Jaguar Racing on this endeavor, showcasing the I-Type 2 in its UK track debut with a suitably thrilling result.”
“It was a great honor to drive the Jaguar I-Type 2 at such a historic venue, and the whole team was elated with the record time we managed to achieve,” added Mitch Evans, Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver. “Formula E fans in the UK were incredibly welcoming, and it was great to see them so excited about the car’s debut run here. I’m proud to have moved the class-best result a step further toward a potential pure electric outright hill record in the future.”
GKN Driveline is in the first of a multi-year partnership with Panasonic Jaguar Racing, which will see the engineering group provide design, manufacturing and consultancy services to the British Formula E team.
Expertise from across GKN Driveline will provide technical consultancy and new technology – from driveshafts and differentials to the use of additive manufacturing – for the team’s Formula E race car. GKN Driveline will also advise on the development of the racer’s all-electric powertrain.
