- GKN will apply its driveline and additive manufacturing expertise to Jaguar’s all electric Formula E car: the I-TYPE 2
- GKN collaboration with Jaguar since the original 1935 saloon
- Partnership set to continue GKN’s remarkable motorsport heritage
- Panasonic Jaguar Racing launch Season 4 team on 21 September
Panasonic Jaguar Racing has agreed a multi-year partnership with global engineering group, GKN. The partnership will see the engineering group provide design, manufacturing and consultancy services to the Formula E team. The official partnership was announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in advance of the 2017/18 FIA Formula E Championship that commences in Hong Kong on 2 December.
Expertise from across GKN’s three divisions – Aerospace, Driveline and Powder Metallurgy – will be brought together to provide technical consultancy and to develop new technology, from driveshafts and differentials to the use of additive manufacture, for the team’s Formula E race car – the Jaguar I-TYPE. GKN Driveline’s considerable experience in delivering state-of-the-art electric vehicle systems means it will also advise on the development of the I-TYPE’s all-electric powertrain.
The GKN logo will feature on the livery of the 2017/18 I-TYPE race car, as well as driver helmets and suits, team kit and merchandise.
James Barclay, Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team Director said: “We are honoured to welcome GKN to our team - a company that will bring its expertise and experience to the race track. They share our passion to inspire the next generation of engineers. At Panasonic Jaguar Racing, we want to be successful on and off the track and we look forward to driving forward together in this multi-year partnership.”
Phil Swash, GKN Driveline Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have been following the development of Formula E since its inception and have been impressed by how quickly and completely the series has established itself as a competitive and exciting racing series. GKN is excited to be involved in this electric technology showcase and to continue its activities in global motorsport.”
“As a world leader in advanced drivelines, lightweight structures and state-of-the-art electrified systems, GKN is proud to join Panasonic Jaguar Racing in their mission to innovate and inspire on the world stage. We can’t wait to get racing in Hong Kong.”
Jaguar Land Rover is Britain’s largest R&D investor, and its Formula E motorsport team continues its mission to ‘Race to Innovate’, using the championship as a platform to develop the next generation of battery electric vehicles.
Formula E continues the long-running partnership between GKN and Jaguar dating back to 1935 when GKN supplied driveline technology to the first SS Jaguar saloon. Today, GKN supplies every Jaguar model on the market with a range of driveline technologies, including high performance CV Joints and intelligent all-wheel drive systems.
For more details and to watch the team’s official launch on the 21 September ahead of the new season, tune into Jaguar Racing’s Facebook page at 14.30 GMT on Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JaguarRacing/
Follow @JaguarRacing
