Jaguar I-PACE Wins Prestigious Auto Award for Innovation
Legendary brand adds 2020 Automotive News PACE Innovation Partnership Award to its already crowded trophy case.
As one of the world’s most iconic car brands, Jaguar is used to picking up awards from around the world. And earlier this week, the British automaker announced the addition of another prestigious international honor. This one recognizes Jaguar’s innovative use of new technologies and comes right from those who know tech best: an independent panel of technologists.
On April 29, Jaguar was honored with a 2020 Automotive News PACE Innovation Partnership Award for its collaboration with American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) on the front and rear electric drive units featured on the all-electric I-PACE.
“In delivering the world’s first premium electric SUV we deliberately set out with a clean sheet, harnessing new and innovative electrification technologies to create a truly driver-focused EV,” said David Halward-Smith, Jaguar’s Senior Manager of Transmissions and Drivelines.
In keeping with national safety requirements, the 26th annual Automotive News PACE Awards were announced via video from Detroit, honoring 13 suppliers that have successfully commercialized new ideas in auto manufacturing.
Winning supplier innovations ranged from the design of a new integrated vehicle circuitry to the development of a lightweight cargo box for pickups. The program also named two PACE Innovation Partnership Award winners for technologies co-developed by an automaker and a supplier.
Overall, the Automotive News PACE Awards recognize the most significant innovations and technological advancements among automotive suppliers and partners and are regarded as the industry benchmark for innovation.
‘In delivering the world’s first premium electric SUV we deliberately set out with a clean sheet, harnessing new and innovative electrification technologies to create a truly driver-focused EV.’
Jaguar and AAM were selected among 30 finalists for this year’s awards, with AAM also receiving a second Innovation Award for this electric drive technology.
“Our collaboration with AAM on the development of the Electric Drive Unit was instrumental in delivering on a promise: a zero-emissions, all-wheel-drive vehicle with sports car performance, exceptional ride comfort, and engaging driving dynamics,” said Halward-Smith. “We are exceptionally proud of the Jaguar I-PACE and delighted to add another award to its growing collection.”
The Jaguar I-PACE midsize-performance SUV is the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to be offered by the Jaguar brand. The vehicle’s bold proportions are a direct result of the advanced electric drivetrain and architecture that underpin the vehicle. The cab-forward profile of the I-PACE is a natural progression of the well-established design language of the Jaguar brand and retains key characteristics making it immediately identifiable as the newest member of the brand’s expanding “PACE” family of SUVs.
Featuring a 90kWh battery powering electric motors placed on the front and rear axles, the I-PACE delivers an EPA estimated range of up to 234 miles and 0-60mph acceleration in as little as 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 124mph.
Photos: Jaguar
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