Jaguar this week unveiled its first all-electric concept car—with a twist.
More than 300 VIP guests (including James Corden, Miranda Kerr, and Gavin Rossdale) strapped on VR headsets to watch a virtual revealing of the I-PACE Concept Vehicle.
Powered by HTC Vive headsets and Dell Precision workstations, participants experienced the car being built piece-by-piece around them, speeding toward them across a desert, and appearing to fall to Earth from space.
"The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design," Ian Callum, director of design, said in a statement. "Our virtual reality reveal … has pushed technology boundaries as well."
While the company's sole concept vehicle awaits its global debut at next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, the unique "social VR" unveiling allowed Jaguar to share its vision "across the globe in the most immersive way possible," Callum said.
The I-PACE Concept is the "start of a new era," according to the luxury car maker, which tipped a production preview next year, ahead of a 2018 consumer launch. It's possible to register at jaguarusa.com if you want to be one of the first I-PACE owners.
A smart sports car and performance SUV in one, the five-seater boasts two electric motors with a combined output of 900 horsepower, plus a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Using a public 50kWh DC rapid charging network, it takes just over two hours of charging for an estimated 220 miles of range.
"This is an uncompromised electric vehicle designed from a clean sheet of paper: we've developed a new architecture and selected only the best technology available," Wolfgang Ziebart, technical design director at Jaguar Land Rover, said. "The I-PACE Concept fully exploits the potential EVs can offer in space utilization, driving pleasure, and performance."
The virtual reality experience—available on the Viveport app store through a dedicated Jaguar mobile app—also allows folks to explore inside the vehicle, uncovering hidden details and features.
"Throughout the interior you will discover a host of beautiful details to surprise and delight," Callum said, tipping an "expansive panoramic glass roof" and "sporting, beautifully finished seats."
"And there is digital craftsmanship too, with two touch screens serving up information when and where you need it, limiting distraction and improving the driving experience," he added.
Final specifications, design, equipment, and accessories have not been determined, so buyers can expect I-PACE production vehicles to differ from what Jaguar shows off this month.
Pricing and figures for acceleration, power, speed, range, and charging are also estimates. However, Jaguar expects the I-PACE to achieve 0-60mph in around 4 seconds.