Jaguar’s contentious Type 00 undergoes extreme winter testing
In 2024, Jaguar initiated one of the most dramatic brand rewrites in its history, unveiling a completely new identity as part of its move toward becoming an all-electric luxury carmaker. The transition came with a new logo and wordmark, and was something we never expected.
Then came the Type 00, which sparked a significant online debate and criticism, and, honestly, it didn’t reflect the brand we loved. Then, in 2025, reports stated that Gerry McGovern, the chief creative officer widely credited with architecting the brand’s new direction and the Type 00 concept, was removed from his post following a leadership change at Jaguar Land Rover.
Controversy or not, the Type 00 four-door GT is finally happening. It is undergoing winter testing in the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees. According to Jaguar, this is the most rigorous validation programme in the brand’s history. That said, 150 prototypes are being tested over hundreds of thousands of kilometres across hot desert highways, frozen lakes, and advanced virtual environments.
Details surrounding the Type 00 remain scarce at this stage, but what Jaguar has mentioned is a power output of over 735kW, making it the most powerful Jaguar road car ever. To maintain traction, it comes with advanced all-wheel-drive tri-motor technology and Intelligent Torque Vectoring.
As the days go on, the engineers will also be fine-tuning several features, including chassis systems, all-wheel steering, dynamic air suspension, and active twin-valve dampers.
The all-electric four-door GT will make its world premiere later this year, and in many ways, it arrives at a defining moment for Jaguar. Right now, the brand feels caught at a crossroads, trying to reinvent itself for a new electric future while holding onto the DNA that made people fall in love with the leaping cat in the first place. The recent backlash surrounding the rebrand and the Type 00 only proves how deeply fans still care. You don’t get that level of reaction if a brand no longer matters.
That said, the ambition behind this car is impossible to ignore. From the extreme validation programme to the crazy power output figures, Jaguar is refusing to play it safe. If the Type 00 can turn that bold intent into something that not only looks impressive on paper but genuinely feels like a Jaguar to drive and live with, it could signal the start of a new chapter for the brand.
