Extreme testing for Jaguar’s electric luxury GT

Quick look

• Testing in the Arctic Circle is one of a real-world test programme in all types of environments, from extreme cold to the heat and dust of deserts.

• 150 prototypes are used to collect data on various sub-systems, ranging from software logic to structural durability.

At the beginning of each year, certain areas along the Arctic Circle in Sweden and Finland see cars of the future travelling along the icy roads and or covered with snow in carparks. These are prototypes undergoing cold weather testing, an important part of the development programs of many automakers.

Temperatures as low as -40°C subject the vehicles to extreme conditions that can identify issues that need to be rectified before the new model is sold. Even Proton sent prototypes to the Arctic Circle at one time.

Most extensive test program
Among the brands doing testing at this time is Jaguar, with its upcoming fully electric 4-door GT that is currently referred to as ‘Type 00’. It is part of a whole test program that is the most extensive in Jaguar’s history. At least 150 prototypes will cover hundreds of thousands of kilometres across diverse environments, including desert highways and frozen Swedish lakes, to ensure reliability in all global climates.

Calibrating propulsion and chassis systems
The engineering focus in Sweden centres on the calibration of electric propulsion and chassis systems. By utilizing frozen lake surfaces (which are very slippery), technical teams are refining the vehicle’s drive modes to balance high-speed responsiveness with ride composure. This testing is designed to verify that the transition to electric power maintains the mechanical characteristics traditional to the brand, specifically focusing on how the car handles low-grip scenarios.

The luxury GT is equipped with a tri-motor all-wheel drive architecture, making it the most powerful road-legal vehicle Jaguar has ever produced. Generating more than 1,000 ps, the electric powertrain utilizes intelligent torque vectoring to distribute output between the three motors. This system allows for more precise control over power delivery than traditional mechanical set-ups, intended to provide stability and traction across varying road surfaces.

Significant attention is being paid to the vehicle’s chassis hardware, which includes all-wheel steering and dynamic air suspension. Active twin-valve dampers designed to adjust the ride quality in real time are also being tested. These systems work in tandem with a bespoke 23-inch winter tyres developed specifically for this model, ensuring that the heavy electric platform remains agile and stable during extreme cornering and braking.

Thermal management system
A major technical highlight being validated in the sub-zero environment is the ThermAssist thermal management system. This onboard technology is designed to reduce the energy required for cabin heating by up to 40%. By recovering waste heat from the propulsion system to warm the interior or the battery, the technology aims to preserve the vehicle’s driving range in ambient temperatures as low as -10°C, addressing a common efficiency challenge for electric vehicles.

The architecture has been engineered with a low centre of gravity and unique proportions to accommodate its high-output electric components. The engineers have focused on integrating the propulsion torque control with the suspension systems to achieve a high degree of body control. According to the engineering team, the goal is to provide a wide performance envelope that allows for both high-output driving and long-distance touring.

This rigorous testing cycle follows an extensive period of virtual and rig-based simulations before physical road testing began. The use of the 150 prototypes allows for simultaneous data collection on various sub-systems, ranging from software logic to structural durability. This large-scale fleet approach is intended to accelerate the development timeline while ensuring the final production car meets high technical standards for a luxury grand tourer.

Technical foundation for new generation
As the final tuning work is completed in the Arctic, the development program will shift toward the final preparations for a global reveal scheduled for later this year. The transition to this new electric platform serves as the technical foundation for a new generation of vehicles. It represents a fundamental shift in the brand’s technical strategy, moving toward high-voltage architectures and in-house developed electric motors.

“Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric 4‑door GT will be no different. It marks a step‑change in our technical ambitions. Innovative in‑house electric propulsion technologies combine with the car’s unique proportions and low centre of gravity for a luxurious grand tourer that drives like nothing else,” said Matt Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director.

Jaguar readies for Type 00 EV debut in 2026