Electrification bet: Jaguar has canceled an entire range of cars almost ready for launch

The sacrifice of the feline: The four Jaguar models sacrificed on the road to electric utopia

In the automotive world, few decisions have been as radical as Jaguar’s “pressing the reset button.” In a move that left fans and dealers alike in a state of suspense, the British brand chose to become an all-electric (BEV) brand, phasing out anything that implied an internal combustion engine.

But beneath the glossy screens and reinvented minimalist logos lies a painful reality for enthusiasts: Jaguar was poised to launch a whole new range of conventional cars before changing the course of history.

Ian Callum's Revelations: Jaguar's "Ghost Garage"

Former design boss Ian Callum, the man who brought Jaguar back to life over the past two decades, dropped the bombshell in a recent podcast. According to him, four brand-new models were almost ready for the production line in the design studios and testing centers.

Here's what we lost in favor of the new "Type 00" era:

• The new Jaguar XF: A completely redesigned generation of the executive sedan, ready to attack the German triad head-on (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6).
• The new F-Pace: The successor to the best-selling model in the brand's recent history. In an era of SUVs, Jaguar has chosen to stop production of the "goose that lays the golden eggs" to bet everything on electric.
• The new F-Type: The pure sports car that was supposed to carry on the legacy of the legendary E-Type.
• The XJ Tragedy: Perhaps the bitterest pill. The new XJ was “almost finished,” according to Callum. A luxury saloon that could have redefined British elegance, but was scrapped just before the finish line.

An "all or nothing" bet

Jaguar's decision to stop new car sales in the UK in 2024 and leave showrooms empty until the production version of the Type 00 concept is launched is unprecedented. It's a "tabula rasa" strategy that transforms Jaguar from a premium competitor into an ultra-luxury brand, targeting a much more exclusive niche.

"It was a brave decision, but also one that left behind projects in which hundreds of millions of pounds and years of creative work had been invested," suggests the context provided by Callum.

What's next for "The New Cat"?

While fans may regret the loss of the new XJ or a refreshed F-Type, Jaguar is looking only to the future:

1. 2026: Launch of the production version of the Type 00, a luxury electric GT that promises to shock the market.
2. 2027: A new large electric SUV will complete the range.

Jaguar no longer wants to be just an alternative to BMW or Mercedes. It wants to be something completely different. Whether this assisted “suicide” of the combustion engine will lead to a spectacular revival or an untimely demise remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Ian Callum’s garage of cancelled models will remain one of the most fascinating “what if” chapters in automotive history.