British 1000bhp Super Saloon Finally Gets a Name

British 1000bhp Super Saloon Finally Gets a Name image

Jaguar has officially named its upcoming all-electric luxury sedan the Type 01, marking a significant shift for the British automaker as it transitions to an exclusively electric lineup.

The company released the first technical specifications for the four-door super-GT alongside the name announcement. The Type 01 will feature a tri-motor powertrain delivering more than 1,000 horsepower and nearly 1,000 lb-ft of torque – making it the most powerful production Jaguar in the company’s history.

Rawdon Glover, Jaguar’s chief executive, said the British-built sedan “looks and drives like no other electric car, yet reflects a unique provenance.”

The naming strategy connects directly to Jaguar’s racing heritage. The “Type” designation pays tribute to legendary models like the E-Type sports car and the C-Type that dominated Le Mans in the 1950s.

Jaguar explains the numerical portion carries dual meaning – the “0” represents zero emissions and electric propulsion, while “1” signifies its status as the first model in the brand’s electric era.

Strategic Brand Repositioning

The Type 01 represents Jaguar’s ambitious move upmarket, with pricing expected to start around £130,000. This positions the brand alongside luxury competitors like Bentley and Aston Martin rather than traditional premium manufacturers.

Camouflaged prototypes will make their public debut at this weekend’s Formula E race in Monaco. The full vehicle reveal is scheduled for later this year, with sales beginning in early 2027.

That timeline means Jaguar will have a gap of more than a year without selling new vehicles – a risky strategy the company believes is necessary for its long-term survival.

The Type 01 won’t be alone in Jaguar’s electric lineup. Two additional models are planned: a luxury SUV and a large limousine that will serve as the range-topper.

Controversial Transformation

Jaguar’s rebranding efforts sparked significant debate when first unveiled. The company’s radical design direction and marketing approach drew mixed reactions from enthusiasts and industry observers.

However, Jaguar’s leadership remains committed to the transformation. The brand has struggled with declining sales in recent years, prompting the decision to completely reinvent its identity.

“We have reimagined Jaguar for a new era, with inspiration from what has gone before. The Type 01 name is part of that story – for me, the zero also signifies a complete brand reset, and the ‘1’, our first car for a new chapter, a ‘one of a kind,'” Glover explained.

The Type 01’s tri-motor setup represents cutting-edge EV technology. While Jaguar hasn’t released specific performance figures, the power output suggests acceleration and top speed capabilities that will rival the fastest electric supercars currently available.

Production will take place in the UK, maintaining Jaguar’s domestic manufacturing presence as it transitions away from internal combustion engines entirely.

Nash Peterson avatar
Nash Peterson