Jaguar Type 00 Concept Fallout: Gerry McGovern Fired as Jaguar Electric GT Faces 2026 DelayJaguar is undergoing one of the most turbulent moments in its modern history. The automaker’s bold push toward a fully electric future has collided with controversy, leadership shake-ups, and an unexpected production setback. The Jaguar Type 00 concept, intended as a statement of the brand’s reinvention, has instead ignited an internet firestorm — followed by the sudden dismissal of the company’s design chief, Gerry McGovern. At the same time, Jaguar’s upcoming Electric GT, originally expected in 2025, has now been pushed to 2026, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the marque’s future direction.A Concept That Broke the InternetAnnounced as an ultra-luxury two-door EV, the Jaguar Type 00 concept was meant to signal the automaker’s radical new philosophy. Jaguar described it as a preview of its next-generation design language, offering a glimpse at the identity shift behind its transition into a fully electric luxury brand. The response online, however, was far from what Jaguar had hoped.The concept’s chunky, unconventional form triggered widespread criticism across social platforms, with users likening it to the Pink Panther’s car and Barbie’s dream roadster. The backlash gained even more attention when Tesla CEO Elon Musk mocked Jaguar’s design efforts, replying to the company’s announcement on X with a pointed, “Do you sell cars?” Lucid Motors also chimed in, adding to the growing wave of industry-wide ridicule.Instead of becoming the aspirational symbol Jaguar intended, the Type 00 became a viral lightning rod — and the controversy soon appeared to have internal consequences.Gerry McGovern Dismissed After 21 YearsAccording to insiders, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief creative officer Gerry McGovern was terminated earlier this week and escorted out of the building. The sudden departure of the designer behind the company’s new direction suggests that Jaguar’s leadership may be preparing for a deeper strategic reset. McGovern’s position was reportedly eliminated immediately, raising questions about the future of the design philosophy he introduced.A spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover declined to comment, and Tata Motors has not responded to inquiries regarding McGovern’s removal. The timing is notable, arriving just days after PB Balaji, formerly the CFO of Tata Motors, was appointed CEO of Jaguar Land Rover. The leadership change comes as the company continues struggling to regain momentum in a competitive luxury EV market.McGovern’s exit after more than two decades at JLR signals a significant pivot for the brand, especially since he was the figurehead shaping Jaguar’s upcoming EV lineup.Pricey Future: Jaguar’s New EV DirectionBefore the controversy, Jaguar had positioned its next-generation EVs as ultra-premium offerings. Former CEO Adrian Mardell previously shared that the new lineup would likely begin around £150,000, roughly $200,000, placing Jaguar’s future models in the high-luxury segment. This upscale push was central to the brand’s reinvention strategy, but with McGovern’s departure, it remains unclear whether Jaguar will continue down that path or rethink its approach.Production of the first model, a four-door Electric GT, was expected to begin in mid-2026 with additional EV models to follow. However, McGovern’s departure suggests that those plans may evolve significantly in the months ahead.Jaguar Electric GT Pushes Debut to 2026While design leadership shifts internally, Jaguar is also grappling with operational setbacks. The upcoming Jaguar Electric GT — derived from the Type 00 Concept — has officially been delayed to 2026. Jaguar Managing Director Rawdon Glover confirmed the revised timeline during a conversation with ABC News.The delay follows a major cyberattack earlier this year that disrupted Jaguar Land Rover’s internal systems, impacting manufacturing, logistics, and supplier coordination. Although Jaguar has not explicitly tied the Electric GT postponement to the cyber incident, industry analysts widely believe the disruption contributed to the revised production schedule.Performance and Range Targets Remain AmbitiousDespite the delay, Jaguar continues to position the Electric GT as the halo model for its electric transformation. Built on an all-new EV architecture, the GT is expected to deliver a range of up to 430 miles on a single charge, placing it alongside leading high-performance EVs such as the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Tesla Model S Plaid.With DC fast charging, Jaguar targets the ability to recoup approximately 200 miles of driving range in just 15 minutes. Executives have emphasized that this model will be the most powerful production vehicle in the company’s history, merging high-end performance with the emotional driving character for which Jaguar has long been known. The estimated price remains around USD 130,000, positioning it squarely in the luxury EV segment.A New Design Era UncertainThe production version of the Type 00 Concept was expected to carry forward its dramatic proportions and minimalist design cues. However, McGovern’s departure places a question mark over whether these aesthetics will reach production unchanged. Rawdon Glover has continued to champion the car’s clean surfacing and sculpted stance, describing its proportions as something that must be experienced in person.Jaguar has also made it clear that its future EVs will prioritize driving engagement, an area Glover believes is lacking in many electric models today. Emotion, performance, and sustainability are the pillars the brand intends to build upon — but it remains to be seen how the design vision evolves under new leadership.Jaguar at a CrossroadsWith a flagship concept mocked online, its top designer abruptly fired, new leadership in place, and its next major EV delayed, Jaguar finds itself at a pivotal moment. The decisions made over the coming year will shape not only its upcoming models but its identity in an increasingly crowded luxury EV landscape. What was once intended to be a bold step forward has become a catalyst for introspection, revision, and likely further change.