Jaguar’s performance future to include EVs

British brand looking at alternative powertrain options as well as V8s.

Stephen Ottley

03:4609 February 2016

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Jaguar's performance future to include EVs

Jaguar's future will include electrification - as well as old-fashioned performance.

At the recent launch of the Jaguar XF sedan, Jaguar Australia managing director Matthew Wiesner spoke of the company's performance plans that include both electric cars but also limited edition F-Type models - the SVR and Project 7.

The British brand announced it would pursue an electric future in December when it committed to racing in the all-electric Formula E championship. The company will use the Formula One-style series for petrol-less cars to develop a future range of electric motors and batteries.

But Wiesner said it was too early to announce any plans for road cars, with the company investigating all options including plug-in hybrids and full electric powertrains. However, he is confident that it is the right decision for the sports-focused brand to take.

"I think in the premium car space it's just technology you have to be a part of," Wiesner said.

"A sporty, dynamic brand like Jaguar, an EV drivetrain fits in there nicely, like some of the German brands have."

In the meantime, the brand is sticking to its traditional petrol-powered roots. Wiesner confirmed that the F-Type SVR will arrive in Australia by the end of the year.

He also revealed that 10 examples of the limited edition Project 7 have been snapped up by Australian buyers.

Despite only 250 being made available globally and a price tag "well north of $300,000" according to Wiesner, the Project 7 has proven popular. Originally Jaguar Australia only expected five of the specially created 423kW two-seaters.