The Jaguar Type 00 has been raising eyebrows as the brand takes a bold leap into the electric vehicle (EV) era. This new model signals Jaguar’s intent to reinvent itself as a modern luxury EV brand, aiming to remain relevant in a market dominated by Tesla and steering away from the traditional beauty of what makes cars, cars.
Despite their efforts, Type 00’s sharp angles, pastel color palette and overall ‘vanilla’ feeling has divided opinions, with some calling it avant-garde while others see it as a departure from Jaguar’s traditionally “beautiful” cars.
Jaguar’s Concept Electric Vehicle the “Type 00” / Jaguar
The New Type 00
Jaguar revealed the Type 00 concept as a luxury electric GT, through a cryptic series of videos, some of which didn’t even feature cars. It offers cutting-edge features like a projected range of up to 478 miles and rapid charging technology that adds 200 miles in just 15 minutes. The car’s design is bold. With butterfly doors, a 3.2-meter brass spine inside the cabin, and a mix of modernist materials like travertine stone and wool blends. It’s expected to be released in 2026.
Executives of the company describe this as part of a “fearless statement,” aligning with the company’s goal to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience while navigating the EV market. However, the radical design has raised concerns among long-time enthusiasts about whether the brand is sacrificing its heritage for modern appeal – Dangerous waters.
The Jag Legacy
Jaguar’s history is steeped in iconic designs and has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for over a century now. Models like the E-Type, known as “The most beautiful car ever made”, represent a golden age of automotive artistry. Launched in 1961, the E-Type was elegant, with cutting-edge performance, featuring smooth, flowing lines. Models like this became a cultural icon, and it’s hard to see how Jag’s new “Vanilla” EV’s will have the same impact.
C-Type (1951–1953)
The C-Type, officially the Jaguar XK120-C, was a lightweight racing car designed for speed and agility. It featured a curvaceous profile, making it look graceful and athletic. This design was influenced by aerodynamic principles and shared similarities with the Porsche 550 Spyder. The C-Type was a trailblazer, achieving Jaguar’s first Le Mans 24 Hours victory in 1951. Its innovative disc brakes, a first for racing cars, cemented its place as a pioneer in automotive engineering.
E-Type (1961–1975)
Arguably the crown jewel of Jaguar’s lineup, the E-Type forever remains a symbol of elegance. Its long bonnet, flowing lines, and compact rear made it instantly recognisable, similar to that of the Mercedes 300SL.
Enzo Ferrari famously called it “the most beautiful car ever made.”
Beyond aesthetics, the E-Type was technologically incredible. featuring a monocoque (A French word that means “single shell.” When the outer layer, like a shell, is strong enough to hold everything together.) construction, independent rear suspension, and a top speed of 150 mph—astonishing for its time. It was as much a masterpiece of engineering and design, captivating the world and making Jaguar synonymous with style.
XK120 (1948–1954)
The XK120 was Jaguar’s first post-war sports car, and its design set the tone for the brand’s future. With its sweeping curves and dramatic fenders, it was the car of choice for many royals at the time. Aside from being very easy on the eye, it was the fasted production car, with a top speed of 120mph, as the name suggests. It struck a perfect balance between sportiness and luxury, a feature Jag maintained in later models
D-Type (1954–1957)
The D-Type was a racing evolution of the C-Type and had a distinct fin behind the driver’s seat for stability at high speeds. It dominated Le Mans in the mid-1950s, winning three consecutive times from 1955 to 1957. Its sleek, aerodynamic body, crafted for performance, inspired later sports cars, including the E-Type.
XJ6 (1968–1992)
While Jaguar is often associated with sports cars, the XJ6 sedan brought the brand’s elegance into the luxury saloon market. Its simplistic design appealed to those seeking refinement without showing off.
Contrast with the Type 00
What set these models apart was their attention to detail and their ability to evoke emotion. The long bonnets and low profiles of the C-Type, E-Type, and D-Type communicated speed and power, while their elegant curves suggested refinement. The XK120 and XJ6, meanwhile, proved that luxury and practicality could coexist without sacrificing beauty. These cars sculpted a passion for motorcars that resonate with their owners. Not to mention the sound of the engine, which the new Type 00 will surely be missing.
The Type 00’s bold, angular design stands in stark contrast to these classics. While it has its own sense of drama, it lacks the effortless grace of the E-Type or the sporty charm of the C-Type. Where the old Jaguars felt timeless, the Type 00 seems tailored to fleeting trends. We struggle to see how Jaguar’s new direction will capture this same passion.
For over 100 years, this car maker has been a leader in combining engineering excellence with the joy of driving. Their cars have always been more than just a way to get from one place to another – they’ve been about the experience.
The shift to electrification is a chance to create a new kind of driving excitement while meeting today’s environmental needs. But with cars becoming more about convenience than enjoyment, the question is whether that joy can survive. This brand has shown they can innovate while staying true to their roots—we can only hope they keep this up.
Even though the Type 00 pays homage to its predecessors with certain features, like a long bonnet and a low-slung stance, the overall impression is divisive. Phrases like “emotional depth” is something that lacks at first glance.
Here’s to hoping Jaguar don’t alienate their loyal customer base and prove all our first impressions wrong!