Jaguar's Radical Type 01 Is Impossible to IgnoreJaguarJaguar, the maker of the most beautiful cars in the world when you think of the C-Type, D-Type, and the achingly gorgeous E-Type in all its variations, arrives now in its period of rebirth with the very definition of "controversial" by unveiling the all-new... Type 01."One-of-a-kind: Jaguar Type 01 is a luxury four-door GT like no other," Jaguar said, perhaps a little self-consciously. "A bold new grand tourer that never arrives unnoticed, like all the best Jaguars of the past."Indeed, this car is all about design. Never mind that somewhere under those slab sides lurk three electric motors—one in front, two in back—making a combined 1,015 horsepower and 1,007 lb-ft of torque from a drivetrain good for 0-62 mph in 3.1 seconds. And forget about its highly efficient 850-volt architecture and 118-kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 400 miles—or 320 miles at 75 miles per hour. Likewise buried is the fact that you can add up to 200 miles of range in as little as 13 minutes using 350-kW rapid DC charging (assuming you can find it).JaguarNo, this is a case where design overwhelms everything, wrestling it to the ground and making it say "uncle." Those sides, those proportions, that battering ram of a front end. You can't get past any of that, and it won't let you.The Type 01 is a car from a carmaker that was desperate to survive, one that had to do something big —in a big way—or risk fading into automotive history, looked up on Wikipedia by kids writing research papers about who won Le Mans in 1955, '56, and '57. In fact, Jaguar won Le Mans seven times, with C-Types, D-Types, and two sports prototypes, the first five in cars you could theoretically buy yourself and drive, maybe even at La Sarthe.But it's a different world now, or it was when they signed off on this, and Jaguar is desperately trying to adapt to it. Thus, the Type 01, signifying a new start, time-zero, the dawn of a new age; its name references both Jaguar's legendary lineage and its all-electric future: "Type" nods to iconic predecessors, "0" signifies zero tailpipe emissions and "1" marks the first of a new generation. It breaks not only with Jaguars past, but with most ideas about automotive design.JaguarIt's big for one, not just in the statement it's making, but in its own measurements. The big galoot is measures 208 inches long by 55 inches tall. That's longer than a Cadillac Eldorado but shorter than a Lincoln Town Car. It's also taller than an Eldorado but shorter than a Town Car."The low profile adds drama while a short front overhang, long hood, and extended rear overhang exude a powerful presence," says Jag.The carmaker also points out that the large flat hood "which adds to the monolithic presence of Type 01 is an engineering marvel, formed from a single body pressing bonded to an innovative subframe to ensure no compromise on refinement or design."Another item of proportional intrigue: the distance from the front axle to the door is almost the same as on the E-type. Wouldn't have guessed that, and I've driven E-Types.And despite what your eyeballs may be telling you, all that aluminum is aerodynamically efficient. With active front vanes and rear spoiler, the Type 01 is the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever made, the company says, with a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd. The shape saw more than 7,000 tests in the wind tunnel to optimize aerodynamic efficiency, with hidden technology and precision refinements. "All while preserving the original design vision."JaguarVision! For rear vision you'll have to rely on cameras, as there are no rear windows, not even rear quarter windows. Like the Polestar 4, designers opted for no glass. Attention auto industry: This is not a good thing. Stop doing it!Inside, adornment is likewise kept to a minimum, with a spartan dash and only a single, smallish, floating infotainment screen while competitors strive to outdo one another with ever-larger screens.Jaguar"Instruments are displayed on a 24-inch OLED screen, while an additional secondary smartphone-style seven-inch display sits between the driver and front passenger, placing the most common key controls, such as climate and audio operations, within instinctive easy reach," Jag says. A matching seven-inch portrait display is integrated within the central spine and sits in the rear center console for those in the back to control comfort settings.Everything else is hidden, Jag says: "Concealed cupholders and deployable air vents, pull-out storage compartments, customizable pinstripe ambient lighting and stowage that opens to reveal moments of exuberant color." There are even 38 invisible audio speakers throughout the cabin combining with what Jaguar calls the Panoramic Soundbar and front seat headrest speakers to deliver "immersive listening."JaguarHow does it drive? Not having driven it yet, we have only what its maker tells us: "Drives like a Jaguar: Two dynamic characters. Deep reserves of power. Refined comfort and 50:50 weight distribution. The essence of Jaguar. Switchable volume air springs and twin-valve active dampers provide supreme composure and handling dynamics."The Type 01's new JEA body architecture is so stiff it requires 38,100 pounds applied to a bar one foot long to twist the structure just one degree out of spec. That makes this the stiffest integrated body and battery structure Jag has ever made. Bolted to all that stiffness is a double wishbone front and integral-link rear suspension that "optimizes handling, comfort and cabin refinement for a captivating drive." All that, plus 50/50 weight balance and Pirelli P Zeros mean lateral grip of up to 0.94 g.When can we see this in however many Jaguar showrooms are left? Jaguar says orders are expected to open in early 2027, with first client deliveries anticipated in the second half of the year. Pricing is expected to start at $130,500 before destination.Now, all that's left to do is a test against the other Brutalist blockbuster, the Audi Nuvolari. Can't wait.