Digitally-created worlds are continually becoming more and more realistic, simulators have long been used in numerous industries as training tools and gamers too have transitioned from online competition to real-world pursuits through programs like the GT Academy run by Nissan to attract new talent to motorsport.
Motor manufacturers are keen to get more involved in the digital world and Jaguar has stepped into the ring with the Vision GT Coupe, its first-ever virtual all-electric sports car.
The futuristic sports car will be making its debut in the globally renowned Gran Turismo racing simulator. Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director, explains, “This project has been completely led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create a vehicle steeped in our incredible heritage but pushing the boundaries of future design. 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.”
While the design and mechanical underpinnings are clearly unfettered by practical requirements, the Vision GT’s electric motors have been inspired by Jaguar’s I-Type 4 and eTrophy race cars. Equipped with three compact motors, the Vision GT Coupe produces 1006hp (750kW) of power and 1200Nm of torque (885 lb-ft), which gives it a 0-62mph time of under two seconds and a top speed of more than 200mph. They may be entirely fictional but they’re entirely believable figures in today’s mega-powered hypercar world.
In keeping with its futuristic design, and making the most of the creative licence afforded by such a project, the Jaguar EV is constructed from experimental lightweight materials, with the light and stiff monocoque made from carbon-fiber composites and advanced aluminum alloys. The lightweight construction gives the car a 1400kg curb weight (3086 lbs) and delivers near 50:50 weight distribution. A holographic onboard artificial intelligence system named “KITT-E” will be on hand to provide the driver with essential vehicle data.
Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo creator and President of Polyphony Digital Inc., said, “We are delighted to today announce the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo project. It was a great experience for us to work with Julian Thomson who is the new design director now at Jaguar. The design and performance of this car is a result of the team’s skill, craftsmanship, and long years of collaborations together. We look forward to having drivers get behind the wheel next month.”
The Jaguar Vision GT Coupe will be available for players to download in Gran Turismo Sport for the Sony PlayStation 4 from the end of November. It will made its debut in the latest round of Sony’s Gran Turismo World Tour event at the Tokyo Motor Show, Japan on 26-27 October.
Images courtesy of Jaguar
