News Summary
- Jaguar has unveiled the I-Type 08, featuring a predominantly French Ultramarine Blue livery for the 2026/27 Formula E season.
- António Félix da Costa and Stoffel Vandoorne form an all-champion driver pairing, replacing the previous line-up featuring Mitch Evans.
- The GEN4 platform offers up to 600 kW, permanent all-wheel drive and an estimated 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 1.8 seconds.
Jaguar TCS Racing has unveiled its I-Type 08 for the 2027 Formula E season, introducing a striking blue livery and an all-champion driver line-up as the British manufacturer prepares to defend its teams’ world title. António Félix da Costa and Stoffel Vandoorne will race the new GEN4 machine, which was presented at an event in London.
The launch, announced by Formula E on November 13, marks a significant visual departure for Jaguar. The car’s predominantly French Ultramarine Blue finish replaces the team’s previous colour scheme and reflects the manufacturer’s wider electric-vehicle identity.
The new livery is linked to the Jaguar Type 01 electric GT, with the colour drawn from its customer palette.
Jaguar introduces new driver partnership for 2027
Jaguar enters the new season after winning the 2026 teams’ championship, but with a different driver line-up.
Da Costa remains with the British manufacturer, while Vandoorne returns to full-time Formula E competition after spending the previous season as Jaguar’s test and reserve driver.
The Belgian replaces Mitch Evans, who has joined Opel after a decade with Jaguar.
Together, da Costa and Vandoorne bring two Formula E drivers’ championships, 18 race victories and 49 podium finishes to the team, according to the championship’s official figures.
Vandoorne’s familiarity with the I-Type 08 could prove particularly valuable. He has already completed substantial development mileage with Jaguar’s GEN4 project, giving him experience of the new car before its competitive debut.
“To be part of Jaguar TCS Racing at the start of the GEN4 era is a great feeling,” Vandoorne said.
He described the transition as potentially the largest performance change in Formula E’s history, citing the increased speed, technical complexity and development demands.
Da Costa also welcomed the opportunity to compete with the new machinery after helping Jaguar secure the teams’ championship.
How fast is Jaguar’s GEN4 Formula E car?
The I-Type 08 has been developed for Formula E’s most powerful technical regulations to date.
According to the championship, the GEN4 platform can exceed 335 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 1.8 seconds.
The category also claims that the new car can reach 200 km/h in 4.4 seconds, approximately 1.5 seconds faster than the previous generation.
| GEN4 specification | Official figure |
|---|---|
| Maximum power in Attack Mode | 600 kW |
| Acceleration, 0–100 km/h | Approximately 1.8 seconds |
| Acceleration, 0–200 km/h | Approximately 4.4 seconds |
| Top speed | Over 335 km/h |
| Drivetrain | Permanent all-wheel drive |
| Expected qualifying improvement | Approximately 10 seconds per lap versus GEN3 |
These are figures supplied by Formula E for the GEN4 platform, rather than independently verified performance measurements for Jaguar’s individual car.
The championship says the new generation delivers 50% more power in race mode than GEN3 Evo. Its permanent all-wheel-drive system and revised aerodynamic configurations will also change how teams approach setup and energy management.
Jaguar faces major reset despite 2026 success
Although Jaguar arrives as reigning teams’ champion, the new regulations effectively reset several areas of competition.
Manufacturers must optimise their powertrains and software for the GEN4 platform while adapting to the championship’s revised sporting format.
Jaguar also has a new technical challenge in integrating Vandoorne alongside da Costa, although both drivers bring extensive experience.
The team is led by Ian James, who previously worked with Vandoorne during their championship-winning period at Mercedes-EQ.
That existing relationship could help the Belgian settle quickly into the race operation.
The first official collective GEN4 test is scheduled for November 16–20 at Jarama, near Madrid.
It will offer the first major opportunity to compare Jaguar’s performance and reliability with its rivals under common test conditions.
Formula E begins GEN4 season in Mexico City
The 2026/27 Formula E championship will begin on January 16 in Mexico City following the postponement of the Jeddah double-header.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO reported, the Saudi Arabian races have been moved to April because of developments affecting the Middle East.
The calendar change gives teams additional time between pre-season testing and the opening race.
Jaguar will use that period to evaluate the I-Type 08 and prepare its two former world champions for a season in which established competitive advantages may be significantly reduced.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following the preparations for Formula E’s GEN4 era and the development of international electric motorsport.
