Jaguar begins winter testing its four-door GT

JAGUAR has begun winter testing its all-new electric four-door GT car in the extreme climates of the Arctic Circle.

In temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, the prototype is one of 150 the company says forms the most rigorous global validation program in its 104-year history, covering “hundreds of thousands of miles across hot desert highways, frozen lakes, and (in) advanced virtual environments”.

The British marque says the demanding assessment schedule has been designed to test every system to its limits as it works to deliver the most technically advanced and powerful Jaguar production car ever made.

First showcased as the Type 00 in late 2024, the controversial four-door GT car is currently being evaluated on Sweden’s frozen lakes where Jaguar engineers are working to ensure the model’s various drive modes deliver “instinctive responses and calming comfort”.

Those systems will help channel over 1000PS (735kW) of electric propulsion to the road, Jaguar offering an advanced, all-wheel drive powertrain comprising three electric motors, all with Intelligent Torque Vectoring that ensures power is delivered “where it’s needed more quickly and precisely than ever before”.

The frozen test bed will further assist Jaguar engineering in finely calibrating technologies that include the model’s all-wheel steering system, dynamic air suspension, and twin-valve dampers, and importantly its advanced ThermAssist technology that efficiently manages driveline, battery, and passenger cabin thermal systems in “even the coldest temperatures”.

“Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric four-door GT will be no different,” remarked Jaguar vehicle engineering director Matt Becker.

“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.

“Like a true Jaguar, it can be comfortable when you wish, is engaging to drive, and with more than 1000PS, always has power in reserve.”