1000bhp Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé unveiled
Virtual racer takes design cues from racing legends of the past
Every year we receive a new concept car through the Vision Gran Turismo project, where manufacturers employ their very best designers and engineers to create a car for the virtual world. Jaguar has stepped up to the mark this year, bringing us the Vision Gran Turismo Coupé, an all-electric racer making its in-game debut next month.
Though a virtual car might not be of much interest to you, the results of the Vision Gran Turismo project give us a good insight into the direction of a particular brand, even providing us with physical cars in some instances – the Bugatti Chiron took design cues from the Vision Gran Turismo of 2015, for example.
> The Vision GT cars - Every Vision Gran Turismo virtual concept detailed
Under the futuristic skin of the Vision Gran Turismo Coupé is a trio of electric motors, inspired by Jaguar’s I-TYPE 4 and eTROPHY race cars. Two motors power the rear wheels and a single motor powers the front wheels, providing a healthy 1006bhp and 885lb ft of torque. Zero to 62mph is said to come in under two seconds, with top speed sitting at over 200mph.
A near 50:50 weight distribution is achieved through the use of experimental materials, such as carbonfibre composites and advanced aluminium alloys for the monocoque. Also aiding handling is an active wing, capable of both optimising efficiency and generating the appropriate level of downforce for the conditions.
Though the powertrain is all-electric, Jaguar tasked the same team that worked on the I-Pace’s sound to create one for the Vision Gran Turismo Coupé. Fresh recordings of the 1957 ‘603’ Long Nose D-type were integrated into its sound, for a unique blend of past and future.
Design cues come from the likes of the C-type and D-type, with the elegant cabin referencing the E-type Lightweight. Jaguar’s design director, Julian Thomson, said: ‘The team have done an incredible job in creating something which is clearly identifiable as a Jaguar, inspired – but not constrained – by our iconic past.’
Unlike many cars of this kind, you can experience it for yourself at the end of November, when it will be available to download for PlayStation 4 users.
