Controversial Jaguar GT Prototype Begins Extreme Winter Testing In Arctic Circle

In December 2024, Jaguar revealed the Type 00 concept that sparked controversy around the carmaker's new direction towards an all-electric and modernist design future, stepping away from traditional Jaguar aesthetics

and drivetrains. A lot has happened since then but the plan to globally unveil the monolithic four-door GT electric car seems to be on track for the unveiling in late 2026. In a latest update, the GT prototypes based on the Type 00 have now begun extreme temperature tests in the Arctic Circle and here's everything we know about the controversial Jaguar EV, up till now.

The latest Jaguar four-door GT prototype tests are currently being conducted in the Arctic Circle, taking on extreme temperatures of as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. This includes testing on frozen lakes, marking the most comprehensive set of tests to have ever been conducted under a Jaguar development programme. The engineers will use the winter tests to further tune the control systems of the GT prototype's electric propulsion and chassis controls to fine-tune and deliver driving dynamics and comfort that is expected from a Jaguar GT car.

The four-door GT's global validation programme can be compared to what we earlier saw luxury carmaker, Rolls-Royce, do with its Spectre EV. Jaguar has been testing 150 four-door GT prototypes around the world, covering thousands of miles and across hot desert highways, frozen lakes and more. Furthermore, the prototypes had earlier undergone virtual environment tests via a rig testing programme, again a first for the brand.

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In terms of power and performance, the Jaguar four-door GT electric prototype produces more than 986 hp (+1,000 PS) of output that is transferred to all four wheels via an advanced all-wheel drive tri-motor setup. The three electric motors also get Intelligent Torque Vectoring, making the GT smarter across conditions and more agile. It will further feature advanced driving systems such as all-wheel steering, dynamic air suspension, and active dampers. The winter testing is taking place on a set of 23-inch winter tyres that have been specially developed for the Jaguar. It will be interesting to see the production-ready Jaguar EV which is due for a global premiere in late 2026.