Jaguar’s controversial pink electric car concept leaks ahead of Miami Art Week unveiling

Jaguar's controversial new concept electric car has been leaked online, and it's turned heads due to its striking Barbie pink color. The leaked images, shared by Autocar magazine on X (formerly Twitter), showcase the car's sleek design featuring a long bonnet, wide grille, and slim LED lights. The vehicle’s bold pink hue, paired with metallic blue accents, has sparked comparisons to the FAB 1 car from Thunderbirds and the iconic Barbie car. Some online critics have even suggested Jaguar should rename itself the "Pink Panther."

These images precede the car's official unveiling at Miami Art Week tonight. The car marks a clear departure from traditional Jaguar design, with a minimalist interior featuring an oval-shaped steering wheel and the company's divisive new logo prominently displayed. Unconventionally, the vehicle lacks a rear windscreen and instead uses rear-view cameras on either side.

This vehicle is at the heart of Jaguar's efforts to reverse its recent decline in sales. The company is betting on a complete reinvention to appeal to a younger, wealthier demographic, moving away from the "Jag man" image and targeting a new generation of customers. Managing director Rawdon Glover has gone so far as to say that figures like Nigel Farage are no longer a key focus for the brand. Instead, Jaguar is pursuing a radically different audience, one that prioritizes cutting-edge technology and modern luxury over the brand's traditional customer base.

Despite Jaguar's efforts, the rebranding strategy has stirred considerable backlash. Many loyal customers have voiced their frustration, claiming the company is abandoning its heritage. Online critics have mocked Jaguar's new approach, especially its recent ad campaign featuring catwalk models but no actual cars, and the replacement of its historic "growler" cat logo with a minimalist J and L symbol.

Nevertheless, Jaguar remains undeterred. Glover defends the bold rebranding as essential for the company's long-term vision, stressing that the carmaker must act in unconventional ways to stand out in a crowded market. Despite the criticism, Jaguar has succeeded in attracting significant media attention, and some industry experts argue it’s too soon to judge whether the strategy will pay off. The concept car could play a pivotal role in this transformation, as the British carmaker looks to carve out a new identity in the growing electric vehicle market.