DS Automobiles move forward with hybrids and PHEV vehicles with a new car each year until 2025

• Racing in Formula E is accelerating the development of DS road cars, confirms Eric Apode, DS Product and Development Director
• There will be a new DS vehicle launched every year going forward – all with electrified versions (hybrid or all-electric) included in the range
• By 2025, it is anticipated that more than a third of DS vehicles sold will be hybrid or all-electric

DS is accelerating the development of electrified cars. Starting with DS 7 CROSSBACK, it will be releasing a new model every year, all with an electrified version (hybrid or all-electric). DS Automobiles is competing in Formula E - a valuable test-bed for gaining experience and accelerated development. The recent city-located ePrix races held in Monaco, Paris and Berlin, are followed by those in New York and Montreal providing further opportunities to show the advancing technologies that are being tested and evaluated for future production models, with three specific projects already in their advanced stages. 

Eric Apode, DS Product and Development director, commented; “DS is entering the electrified vehicles scene. By 2025, more than a third of DS vehicles sold will be hybrid or all-electric. The performance models will be provided by the hybrid versions and the first in the series is DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense - the DS vision of hybrid power with 300hp and a 60km electric range”. 

Xavier Mestelan Pinon, DS Performance director, explained, “A competition series involving all-electric race cars obviously makes an ideal testing environment for our forthcoming technologies. With each successive race or test-session, we’re accelerating this development and every new component to achieve a better understanding of how to optimise the electric motor drivetrain and the management of energy in particular with cooling in mind.” 

Extended electric range for production models

The connection between the 140mph top speed of the DSV-02 (DS Virgin 2nd gen) race car and the 60km* electric range of DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense is that both depend on the techniques used for controlling the energy supplied by the battery and the management strategies of its deployment. This became very clear to the DS Performance teams from the outset of their Formula E involvement and this invaluable data has advanced the know-how of the DS engineering team working on the road car’s petrol-electric hybrid project. 

Electric range of 60km* with the DS 7 CROSSBACK Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

The petrol PHEV system available on the new SUV from DS, and arriving in spring 2019, will achieve a range of 60km* in all-electric mode, with no compromise to the car’s dynamic performance. Supplementing the 200hp THP (Turbo High Pressure) petrol engine, DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense carries two 80kW electric motors to drive each axle, and is capable of deploying a total deployable power output of 300hp with four-wheel-drive. 

Sophisticated electric architecture

Energy loss is the challenge of every automotive engineering team in their constant quest for ultimate efficiency and operational optimisation. All Formula E runners feature the same chassis, front axle system and battery pack, so what makes the difference is the gearbox transmission and the electric motor, and the way the energy is supplied, controlled and cooled - the fruit of each team’s own individual ingenuity. 

In their year-long work on developing the DSV-02, the team of ten engineers and the accompanying host of technicians identified a number of ways for optimising the operating efficiency of the electric motor and transmission system, and the most-suitable aspects of which are being developed for the road-going petrol-electric PHEV drivetrain of the forthcoming DS 7 CROSSBACK E-tense. 

Optimum transmission-motor coupling for an intelligent hybrid drivetrain on DS 7 CROSSBACK

DS 7 CROSSBACK is fitted with the new Efficient Automatic Transmission with 8-speeds (EAT8) located transversely between the petrol-fuelled internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor. DS experience and know-how is harnessing the inputs from PSA Group and DS Performance R&D teams to ensure the transmission performance operates with optimised efficiency and performance with the 80kW electric motor. 

*Measured on the MVEG certification cycle.

Electric power capabilities for the future of motoring efficiency

The purpose of the DS Performance engineering team is to make the relevant technologies accessible for the optimised development of DS vehicles. For example, the voltage used on electric vehicles; today’s production vehicles use a voltage of around 400V whereas Formula E race cars use 700V. 

“One of the challenges of the DS Performance team is to fully master component durability, for the power controller in particular at 700V, while ensuring it delivers better operational efficiencies” commented Xavier Mestelan Pinon. Eric Apode added: “Once we have answered all the questions regarding 700V operation, we can go ahead and raise the voltage used on production models, to bring even greater efficiency and potentially longer driving ranges.” 

The future starts right here, with DS E-Tense

DS E-Tense is much more than a concept car, because it points the way to the DS future, in terms of design and technology. With its two electric motors developing 402hp to the rear wheels, this spectacularly beautiful coupé delivers torque of 516Nm from start-up and boasts a potential top speed of 155mph. 

Apart from possessing exceptional driving sensations, its lithium-ion battery provides a capability to travel a potential range distance of 167 miles and it is also perfectly suited to everyday motoring applications, as recently demonstrated. 

As well as bringing know-how in electric drive technology, and accelerating the development of simulation tools (within the R&D Department) that can be carried over to production models, DS involvement in Formula E racing provides a valuable learning experience guiding engineers to optimum design choices that can be rapidly applied onto DS production road vehicles. DS 7 CROSSBACK, the new SUV by DS, will from spring 2019 also be available in a new petrol-electric hybrid (PHEV) version: DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense.

Fancy a Sports car, or an Electric car ? well have both, the Renault Zoe e-sport concept.

• Two-seater ZOE e-sport concept draws on technology developed for Formula E Championship.
• Twin electric motors provide 340kW (nearly 460bhp) and torque of 640Nm.
• ZOE e-sport concept powers from standing to 62mph in 3.2 seconds. 130mph is reached in under 10 seconds.
• Use of carbon fibre and kevlar allows weight of just 1,400kg, including battery (450kg).
• Lowered ride height, wider tracks and four wheel drive provide exceptional cornering ability.
• Double-wishbone suspension, 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes and Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers.   
• Cockpit has Recaro bucket seats with racing harness and Formula E style controls.
• Four driving modes allow drivers to choose balance of performance and range.
• Renault is Europe’s leading EV manufacturer.

The Renault ZOE e-sport concept car revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show showcases Renault’s commitment to the ongoing development of electric vehicles.

Based on the all-electric ZOE’s supermini platform, ZOE e-sport concept draws on Groupe Renault’s three years of success in the FIA Formula E Championship. This all-electric single-seater series, fought on challenging street circuits around the world, has proved a popular and accessible way for the public to enjoy high-performance electric racing. 

The two-seater ZOE e-sport concept echoes the styling of the latest Renault single-seater race cars, and its colour scheme reflects the livery of the e.dams team. The lightweight body structure is made of carbon fibre, and the car tips the scales at just 1,400kg, including the battery (450kg). This minimal weight in addition to excellent aerodynamics, power close to 460bhp and torque of 640Nm, helps the car to accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 3.2 seconds.

“The brief for the Renault ZOE e-sport concept couldn’t have been simpler: ‘Have fun!’. So we came up with something midway between a production model and a racing car… It’s perfect for lovers of extreme driving sensations!” Stéphane Janin, Director, Concept Car Design

“At Renault, we believe that electric cars are capable of addressing the needs of all types of customers, with the emphasis on driving enjoyment… The Renault ZOE e-sport concept is a stunning expression of this!” Éric Feunteun, Director, Electric Vehicle Programme

Renault launched a full range of EVs in 2012 and continues to stand out as the market leader today. The brand continues to explore every facet of electric motoring thanks to a programme spearheaded by the ZOE.

The Renault ZOE is an all-electric car that delivers a smooth, agile ride. Uniquely enjoyable to drive, it is built to the highest environmental standards.

The New Renault ZOE premiered at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and marks an important step in the development of mass-market electric vehicles. Its driving range is 250 miles (NEDC), equivalent to real-world range of around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in winter. The New Z.E.40 battery takes the worry out of charging the car while opening up a wider spectrum of journey options. The New ZOE also comes with a new, improved suite of connected services to make electric motoring easier, including Z.E. Trip and Z.E. Pass.

Sporty styling with Renault’s hallmark French design

The ZOE e-sport concept’s connection to Formula E is immediately apparent thanks to a colour scheme inspired by the reigning champion Renault e.dams team’s 2016/2017 livery. The dominant colour is Satin Blue with flashes of yellow on the door mirror and the front and rear bumper beading. The bumpers, lip spoiler and headlight/air intake surrounds have a carbon fibre finish.

The 20-inch diamond-cut aluminium alloy Sport wheels feature contrasting angles highlighted by a two-tone finish in black and Shadow Chrome. These rims come with a central locking nut.

The overall design retains traditional Renault styling cues, plus elegant flourishes from higher-end high-performance models. The ZOE e-sport concept has extra-tinted windows. Its doors are opened by a simple tap on the ‘open’ zone incorporating tactile sensors.

The headlights carry over the C-shape that has become a hallmark of the latest Renault models. The prominent vertically mounted backlit Renault front and rear diamond logos echo the styling of the Renault TreZor concept car unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Inside the cabin, the colours and materials express the car’s sport pedigree. Black is the dominant colour, with a few splashes of blue and – notably for the controls – aluminium. The seats, steering wheel and door panels are trimmed with overstitched Alcantara.

Built for speed – and great handling

The ZOE e-sport concept’s stiff, lightweight structure allows for high performance, with superb grip and handling. Like the Renault e.dams Formula E single-seater, the bodywork is made from carbon fibre. The chassis features a tubular steel roll cage with protective Kevlar panels. It complies with FIA safety standards, allowing the ZOE e-sport concept to be used on race tracks.

Outstanding aerodynamics are achieved with the aid of a front air dam, flat undercarriage, a Formula E-inspired diffuser and a large carbon fibre tailgate spoiler with a linear braking light.

Inside, the ZOE e-sport concept has two Recaro bucket seats equipped with competition harnesses and a driving position that is ideal for track driving. A rectangular steering wheel gives drivers the broader field of vision enjoyed by Renault’s Formula E drivers.

As in Formula E, the driver can adjust the powertrain settings and control energy consumption. The dash panel features three zones that permit management of the gearbox, driving mode (four options available) and brake distribution.

Energy efficiency from Renault Sport’s unique expertise

The ZOE e-sport concept’s powertrain is inspired by technologies developed by engineers at Renault Sport Racing and Renault e.dams.

Two motors deliver a total of 340kW – almost 460bhp. By comparison, rules laid down by motorsport’s governing body the FIA, limit Formula E single-seaters to 270bhp. The two motors are identical, with one at the front of the car, the other at the rear. And, as in Formula e, they feature high-capacity permanent magnet technology to maximise energy efficiency. To exploit all this power, the ZOE e-sport concept’s battery has a capacity of 40kWh.

As in Formula E, an air-and-water cooling system with a front-mounted radiator is used to make sure that the battery and control systems operate at the ideal temperature.

The ZOE e-sport concept also benefits from Renault’s Formula E experience in terms of optimised power delivery to the wheels. Renault-developed power electronics govern battery energy accurately and dynamically to meet the driver’s needs at any time. Energy management is completely configurable and adjustable after each drive or during race weekends.

The electronic settings offer four driving modes that adapt, depending on whether the driver wants performance or a longer range. They can also be tailored to suit different types of circuit and driving styles, adjusting the power delivery between the two motors to place greater emphasis on front- or rear-wheel drive.

Renault Sport Racing: #1 in the FIA Formula E Championship

In addition to its status as an expert in both electric road cars and electric motor racing, Groupe Renault is one of the driving forces behind the growth of the FIA Formula E Championship. It has been involved in the series as a technical and sporting partner since the competition’s inaugural season in 2014/2015.

Renault e.dams is the team with the highest number of titles in the FIA Formula E Championship, setting the standard in the discipline with two Team crowns, one Driver’s title, plus 10 race wins.

The Renault team is led by four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost and DAMS founder Jean-Paul Driot.

Its drivers for Season 3 are the defending champion Sébastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost, and the team is targeting further glory in 2017.

Renault e.dams benefits from the technical support of Renault Sport Racing, Renault’s motorsport department which has enjoyed successful campaigns in every form of motorsport.

The Renault Z.E.16 single-seater features a SPARK-Renault SRT_01E chassis and is powered by a Z.E.16 powerplant developed by Renault Sport Racing at its facility in Viry-Châtillon, near Paris. This powertrain is one of the grid’s most powerful and technically advanced units.

Race-inspired suspension ensures superb handling

The design and set-up of the ZOE e-sport concept’s chassis benefit greatly from the expert input of Renault Sport’ Racing’s specialists and their work on Groupe Renault’s most extreme performance cars.

Built by TORK Engineering, the tubular steel chassis is based on those used by Renault Sport cars competing in hill climbs and ice races.

The ZOE e-sport concept has a lowered ride height, wider track and four-wheel drive to guarantee maximum cornering stability. The double-wishbone suspension front and rear was developed for racing and maintains efficient axle geometry in all situations.

The Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers are another by-product of motorsport and can be adjusted to suit different circuit types or driving styles, like those selected for the Renault Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.

The ZOE e-sport concept’s large, 20-inch wheels are able to transfer all the car’s significant power to the road. Fitted with 245/35 R20 tyres, they are an unusual sight on a racing circuit. Suitably large brake discs ensure competition-style stopping power.

Electric motors deliver instant acceleration

The ZOE e-sport concept accelerates to 62mph (100kph) from rest in 3.2 seconds. Its maximum speed is capped at 130mph (210kph) and takes fewer than 10 seconds to achieve it. The high torque output of 640Nm (320Nm per motor) is available almost instantly. Electric motors deliver all their performance the moment they are activated, and it takes only a few tenths of a second for the ZOE e-sport concept’s motors to reach 4,300rpm. The acceleration is linear, uninterrupted by gear changes.

The electric powertrain does not have the jolts or loud noise emitted by an internal combustion engine. Like those generated by a Formula E car, noise levels are limited to the sounds of the transmission and tyre scrub.

ZOE supermini offers unrivalled range

The ZOE supermini is now available with a high-energy-density Z.E. 40 battery, and this large storage capacity converts directly into an extended range of 250 miles (NEDC). This translates to a real-world range of 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in cold winter conditions.

When fitted with the Z.E. 40 battery, the ZOE boasts the longest driving range of any mass-market fully electric car, yet it is still the market’s most affordable electric car. Orders have risen by nearly 40 per cent in Europe since the new version was released in October 2016.

Since 2015, the ZOE has been fitted with an all-Renault motor that combines outstanding efficiency with optimal electronic battery management, which restricts the level of electricity consumption on the move without reducing power.

Driving a Renault electric vehicle is punchy, smooth and reassuring. The all-electric ZOE delivers all these sensations thanks the brand’s EV technology and to management of the delivery of power to the wheels, geared toward driving enjoyment. The ZOE takes a fresh approach to electric mobility by ensuring a dynamic, noise- and vibrations-free experience, with no gearshifts required, and it emits no carbon dioxide or other regulated pollutants during road use.

The ZOE delivers its full potential instantly in the form of crisp, jar-free pull-away and mid-range acceleration performance. High torque is available from very low revs. The R90 motor delivers peak torque of 225Nm in a fraction of a second, allowing the ZOE to accelerate from rest to 31mph (50kph) – the most frequently used range when motoring in built-up areas – in just four seconds.

Being able to pull away swiftly from traffic lights, along with slick manoeuvring in slow-moving traffic and safe overtaking are all facilitated by the ZOE’s immediate response.

The ZOE makes range anxiety a concern of the past. In addition to routine daily journeys, this extended range means the ZOE can also be used for longer trips

Renault’s leading position

Renault tops the electric vehicle sales charts in Europe in a consistently expanding market. Renault is still the only carmaker in the world to offer a commercially available comprehensive range of electric vehicles to cover a wide variety of uses.

• More than 100,000 Groupe Renault electric vehicles are already on the road.
• More than one electric vehicle in four sold in Europe in 2016 was a Renault.
• The ZOE was Europe’s top-selling electric car for the second year in a row.
• There’s an electric car for everyone, from the Twizy city car and ZOE supermini to the Kangoo Z.E. light commercial vehicle.
• At the 2017 Brussels Motor Show Renault announced that the Kangoo Z.E. Van will receive significant improvements to its range (168 miles NEDC) and charging system from the Summer of 2017 and a new Master Z.E. large van will be made available from late 2017.
• Groupe Renault was the first European carmaker to launch all-electric vehicles back in late 2012 and its strategy is to continue developing mass-market electric cars.

Renault takes the win at the first race of the third season from the FIA Formula e ePrix at Hong Kong.

• Renault e.dams opened season three of the FIA Formula E Championship in emphatic fashion with Sébastien Buemi taking his seventh career Formula E win and Nico Prost working his way back through the field to finish fourth in the HKT Hong Kong ePrix.
• The team leaves Hong Kong with 37 points in the Team Championship, ahead of ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport and Andretti Formula E who both have 18 points. 

From fourth on the grid, Sébastian drove in a measured and assured fashion to take one position on merit, another thanks to a rival getting tangled up in another's incident and finally P1 thanks to pit stop strategy. The win means Séb starts his Drivers' Championship defence with 25 points to Lucas di Grassi's 18.

If Séb's race was measured, then Nico Prost's was fully feisty from start to finish. From P10 on the grid, a mode selection issue meant Nico dropped positions on the initial lap and this was compounded by contact front and rear as the field compressed. 

On a charge and in the correct mode, Nico blasted past his rivals and worked up the order ending his race just shy of the podium in fourth.

Qualifying earlier in the day had been an eventful affair. Incidents in Q1, Q2 and Q3 meant delayed running and cancellation of Superpole, the net result for the Renault e.dams duo was P4 for Séb, P10 for Nico.

Renault e.dams, Sébastien and Nico will next be seen in action for the second round of season three, the Marrakesh ePrix in Morocco on November 12.

#9 Séb:

"Initially I thought we'd made a mistake when we made our pit stop under the safety car, but as we saw it all worked out perfectly. I'm happy with today's result but we certainly had to fight for it. 

We saw in qualifying just how hard everyone was pushing and the race was not easy for us. I felt a lot happier with the second car today as we made some set-up changes but overall this has been a great weekend and a superb way to start the season."

#8 Nico:

"I don't know exactly what happened on the first lap as I got stuck in the wrong mode and I lost a load of places. 

Fortunately I was back into the correct mode on the straight so I fought like hell to overtake everyone I could; I was really going for every gap possible! 

In the end our race turned out really well and we had a great strategy. It was a fantastic result for the team today so I'm really happy for everyone."

Vincent Gaillardot, Renault Operations Director:

"Our weekend finished a lot better than it started as we had an issue on one of Nico's car in the shakedown. We knew from free practice today that we had good potential, however qualifying was more difficult than expected. Our race performance was consistent, we had a good strategy and both drivers drove well. Séb was able to take the lead through a combination of factors but mainly thanks to a strong and sensible drive with an effective strategy. Nico had a switch-management issue at the start but was able to recover well. Everything we've seen in Hong Kong is promising for the season."

Jean-Paul Driot, Senior Team Manager:

"There is no better way to start season three. We saw that qualifying was very tight this morning but the quality of our drivers and our strong strategy played out well. We are happy to  be the first team ever to win in Hong Kong, just as being the first Formula E team to win in Monaco. These are fantastic milestones. I'm very pleased with how the team worked and the drivers delivered all weekend. Renault e.dams is a great combination of strengths with our technology, professionalism and efficiency giving great results!"

Alain Prost, Senior Team Manager:

"What a fantastic way to start the season! The first-ever Hong Kong ePrix certainly looked spectacular and we saw some very close competition. I’m particularly proud at how the team delivered in a strong and measured fashion across the whole event. Both drivers drove very well and the strategy worked well. Qualifying might not have been as good as we wanted but in the race, everyone gave exactly what was required. Séb drove a very mature and effective race whilst Nico showed great aggression to work back up the order after issues on the first lap. We’re all very much looking forward to Marrakesh." 

Citroen readies the 2017 Formula e car by releasing more info to tempt the public into watching the third season.

In anticipation of the launch of Formula E’s third season, beginning 9 October in Hong Kong, DS Virgin Racing has released a thrilling video to unveil its Season 3 livery.

Shot over 10 hours in thunderstorm conditions in the abandoned streets and walkways of Manchester’s Media City, the video opens with a panning shot through a lightning storm and across a pitch dark harbour. Out of the darkness emerges a hint of the DS Virgin Racing car, complete with new Season 3 livery.

DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird - winner of three pole positions in the 2015-16 season and fourth ranked driver globally for Formula E appears alongside DS Virgin Racing’s new driver José María López.

López is a nine-time world champion across seven different racing categories, known in the racing community and his Argentinian homeland as “Pechito”, or ‘The Cold One’ for his aggressive driving style. The pair walk through the darkened streets before the footage cuts to the cars, alternately screaming through abandoned streets in the rain and speeding around corners, reflections of the updated livery sliding off glass buildings and wet roads.

The big reveal comes after 60 seconds, where a driver performing 360 degree water-spraying doughnuts dramatically unveils the DS Virgin Racing season 3 livery, complete with a unique new pattern effect stretching across the chrome and a brighter, more vibrant version of purple, which has become the signature colour of the team in Formula E.  The new front wing, in a stacked double decker design is also a stunning addition to the racing car and looks amazing in the colours of the DS Virgin Racing team.   

  

Throughout the video, shifting slow and rapid motion cuts between stuttered audio and bassy electronica. Weaved between all of this is the unmistakable, turbine-like whine of the Formula E engines as the cars tear through the silent streets: hinting at the pop-up, street takeover nature of Formula E race tracks.

The anticipation is now building with less than three weeks to go until the beginning of season three of motorsport’s newest creation: Formula E in Hong Kong.

PARIS - One World Premiere, One World Record, One Surprise announcement and the new I-Type, thats Jaguar Land Rover.

• New Land Rover Discovery with unrivalled capability, versatility and technology on show in Paris
• World record at New Discovery world premiere event: 5.8million LEGO bricks in 13m-high Tower Bridge model
• New Jaguar XF Sportbrake confirmed, to be revealed in 2017
• Hollywood star Nicholas Hoult drives Jaguar XF AWD onto Paris Motor Show stand
• Global motor show debut of Jaguar I-TYPE ahead of debut Formula E season

Jaguar Land Rover stole the limelight at the Paris Motor Show with a world premiere, a world record, a surprise announcement and a motorsport debut.

The new Land Rover Discovery was the headline act on the show stand in Paris, fresh from its dramatic unveiling alongside a world record-breaking LEGO model of London’s Tower Bridge. The new Discovery redefines the premium SUV sector, delivering class-leading all-terrain capability and a versatile full-size seven-seat interior in a revolutionary design.

The Jaguar success story continued with confirmation the XF Sportbrake will join the family in 2017 and the brand underlined its commitment to investing in technology for the next generation by showcasing its advanced I-TYPE 1 on the stand.

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We have developed a sensational line-up of products of style and substance that empower our customers to make more of their world.”

Picture courtesy of Theophiluschin.com - this is a possible look to the next gen XF Sportbrake and not to be confused by the actual car, however this fits the bill rather nicely.

A modern Discovery in every sense

New Discovery arrived in Paris after a spectacular unveiling on a 13-metre high LEGO version of London’s Tower Bridge. The magnificent model set a new Guinness World Record for the largest ever LEGO structure, using 5.8million bricks.

The globally renowned family toy created the perfect playground for the new SUV at Packington Hall in Warwickshire, close to the brand’s Solihull home. Land Rover customers Bear Grylls, Sir Ben Ainslie, and Zara Phillips OBE were also part of the event.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, said: “This is a modern Discovery in every sense, designed to accommodate seven full-sized adults. This well-proportioned, sure-footed vehicle will establish new standards for the Discovery family.”

World-first technologies debuted by Land Rover’s new premium SUV include Intelligent Seat Fold, which allows customers to remotely reconfigure the second- and third-row seats using a smartphone.

The digital New Discovery is equipped with up to nine USB ports, six 12-volt charging points and an in-car WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices. Additionally Jaguar Land Rover’s newly announced Spotify app offers readily available ‘music for every moment’ radio and personalised playlists based on users’ tastes and in-car listening habits.

New Discovery continues a 27-year story of innovation. Jaguar Land Rover is leading the software engineering revolution at the forefront of the shift from cogs to code, illustrated by the investment in electrical engineering which has trebled over the last five years from £99m to £301m.

Jaguar at Paris: new Jaguar XF Sportbrake confirmed

Jaguar confirmed in Paris the production of a new model. Speaking on the show stand, Andy Goss, Sales Operations Director, said: “There are going to be more additions to the Jaguar family in 2017 and I can confirm that one of these will be the new XF Sportbrake.”

Camouflaged prototypes of the new XF Sportbrake are already undergoing testing and development on UK roads ahead of its launch next year.

Goss also referenced the offer of all-wheel drive and advanced traction technologies across the range, making Jaguar vehicles perfect for all markets and all weathers.

He said: “We will continue to grow our reputation as all-weather experts with all-wheel drive available on every vehicle and a toolbox of traction technology to give our drivers confidence whatever the conditions.”

British actor Nicholas Hoult, known for his roles in blockbuster films including Mad Max and the X-Men series, drove a Jaguar XF AWD R-Sport onto the show stand after putting the sports saloon through its paces as part of the Europe-wide Jaguar Art of Performance Tour.

I-TYPE 1: first ever all-electric Jaguar racing car debuts

Jaguar also took the opportunity to showcase its racing credentials as the new I-TYPE 1 racer made its global motor show debut in Paris. In October Panasonic Jaguar Racing will compete in the third FIA Formula E season with the first ever all-electric Jaguar racing car.

The brand’s commitment is to ‘Race to Innovate’ – a mission to change the perception of electric vehicles, to develop new electric technology and to inspire future generations.

Ingenium Powertrains: our most advanced engine ever

Jaguar Land Rover isn’t standing still with its current propulsion systems, expanding its powertrain family with new technologies for both current and future vehicles.

At the heart of its low-emissions strategy, the new four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine is produced at Jaguar Land Rover’s £1billion Engine Manufacturing Centre. Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, these are the most advanced engines the company has ever developed. They will deliver up to 25 per cent more power than the units they replace and offer fuel consumption reductions of up to 15 per cent.