When the Jaguar F-Type was realised from its C-X16 concept form, it was nothing like the existing Jaguars back then. The ageing (but very pretty) XK was on its way out and a two-seat sports car was desperately needed to catch up with the competition. And when it was finally launched, the F-Type left quite a mark. Was it the spiritual successor to the E-Type? Maybe (of course, it had more weight than calling Posh the designer of the Evoque) but there’s much more to the car than that. Earlier today, Jaguar showcased the new F-Type, which not just brings a new design (effectively making the car look completely new from the front), it also shuffles the model range.
Engine and drivetrain
There are two engine options, both of which can be specced with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Market-specific changes might occur, and these are the specs for Jaguar’s domestic market in the UK. The base variant is powered by a 300 PS 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine (four-cylinder). Move up the ladder (don’t ask for the V6 because that’s gone) and there’s the full-fat supercharged V8, available in either 450 PS or 575 PS. The latter is available only in the all-wheel-drive F-Type R. It’s got a power bump from the pre-facelift model; it does 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the top speed is an electronically limited 186 mph (both are company figures).
The new 450 PS version of the supercharged V8 isn’t slow by any means, either. It’s claimed to do 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and the top speed is 177 mph. The times are identical for both rear-wheel-drive models as well as the all-wheel-drive one, claims Jaguar. Both V8s come with a switchable quiet start function, ensuring the neighbours/husband/wife/dog don’t get up as you plan a quick getaway in the middle of the night. You can turn that off, should you decide to announce your departure. Also, Jaguar mentions that the Quickshift gearbox on the V8 models has been tweaked for an even more engaging drive.
And the new looks?
The appearance is where the Jaguar F-Type still appeals straight away, much like its pre-facelift avatar (and the original, jaw-dropping F-Type concept from the early noughties). The larger grille sits very well (in photos, at least) and the slimmer headlamps with the new ‘Calligraphy’ LEDs look striking, to say the least. The side doesn’t see much action, and the rear hasn’t exactly been redone, either.
The interior gets a few changes: apart from the choice of new materials and colours, you get a 12.3-inch interactive driver display, a ‘Jaguar Est. 1935’ marking in various parts of the cabin, and further novelties should you choose the First Edition model.
How expensive is the new Jaguar F-Type?
If you’re in the UK, you can order one for £54,060 onwards.
All photos and details from Jaguar UK
