For a lot of new supercars launched in the last decade, the design is very much of a love or hate proposition at first viewing, but with the F-Type it was love at first sight and after driving the F-Type we could only come to one conclusion; we loved it! We tried really hard to find negative points and aside from a few minor gripes, we ended up wanting one in our garage.
The Jaguar F-Type has been on sale in Malaysia since 2014. First shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, this was Jaguar’s return to the sports car segment after 50 years.
After its launch in its home country, England in 2013 with much fanfare it had a target to challenge the successful Porsche Boxster and also Porsche Cayman in all markets. The F-Type was available as a coupe and also a convertible. Three power-plants were made available for the F-Type. There was a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 unit with 340 horsepower, a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 engine with 380 horsepower and a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 motor with 495 horsepower.
In the same year, this Jaguar F-Type was named the 2013 World Car Design of the Year. The honor was announced at the New York International Auto Show.
PRESS RELEASE: Purposeful, beautiful and timeless, this is the latest 2021 version of the Jaguar F-Type which looks more dramatic than ever and embodies Jaguar design DNA in its purest form.
The perfect proportions are instantly recognisable, but the new F-Type looks even more focused and assertive, and references the beautiful flowing forms from Jaguar’s rich sports car heritage.
Super-slim pixel LED headlights with subtly updated ‘Calligraphy’ J signature daytime running lights and sweeping direction indicators blend perfectly into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the new clamshell bonnet. The new front bumpers and subtly enlarged grille deliver even more visual impact and presence.
The rear haunches enhance the F-Type’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form, and sweep downwards to the slender rear LED lights with ‘Chicane’ signature introduced by the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE Performance SUV.
Inside, the driver-focused ‘1+1’ cabin envelops the occupants with luxurious materials such as Sienna Tan Windsor Leather, Suedecloth, Alcantara, and satin-finish Noble Chrome, while Jaguar’s craftsmanship is embodied in beautiful details such as monogram stitching on the seats and door trim. These touches blend seamlessly with the new 12.3-inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster and Touch Pro infotainment system.
Form follows function, and one of a Jaguar’s functions is to look beautiful. Evolved from its predecessor’s World Car Design-winning form, the new F-Type’s breath-taking looks are characterised by the super-slim Pixel LED headlights, which enhance the car’s purposeful, confident stance.
Jaguar’s Signature J daytime running lights now feature a calligraphy graphic: slim along the horizontal element of the light guide, and then widening as it sweeps upwards – as if a stroke from an art brush. Running along the J is an exquisitely-detailed monogram pattern, inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The light graphic accentuates the car’s visual width and hints at its performance potential.
Inside the light cluster are four LED modules, each resembling a perfectly-crafted gemstone. Again, form follows function: Pixel technology intelligently links the windscreen-mounted stereo camera to the lights’ controller. This allows every LED to be switched off or dimmed to produce a high beam which masks out oncoming vehicles to avoid dazzling other drivers, while allowing excellent illumination of the road ahead.
A subtly enlarged grille accentuates the new Jaguar F-Type’s visual presence. The proportions of the classic form remain, but it is now wider and deeper and with a new hexagonal mesh pattern, each cell gloss black at the front and satin black on the inner surfaces. The surround is finished as standard in Noble Chrome, or Gloss Black when the Black Pack or Black Design Pack is specified.
The bumpers are new, and introduce bolder surfaces with discreet signature graphics to enhance the overall design and provide greater differentiation across the model range, from F-Type to F-Type R-Dynamic to F-Type R.
For the core F-Type models, the look is clean and sculptural. R-Dynamic models gain layered J aero-blades, which, as well as referencing a racing influence, also help to guide the airflow more cleanly around the front of the car. R models feature gloss black bezels around the apertures, making the car look even more assertive, while aerodynamically-optimised strakes serve to further reduce drag. On all models, the apertures feature a mesh pattern matched to the cells in the grille.
A new clamshell bonnet design sweeps elegantly back from the slimline LED headlights. The surfaces are softer and more organic than before, as if they were liquid metal – inspired by the beautiful flowing forms of models from Jaguar’s rich 84-year history, such as the C-type and D-type. The air vents are positioned further forward for greater efficiency, and blend perfectly into the sculpted aluminium that surrounds them. Further back, the fender vents now proudly feature the Jaguar Leaper.
The LED rear light clusters have been subtly updated too. Now slimmer, to match the headlights, they feature a bolder, ‘Chicane’ light graphic introduced by the all-electric I-PACE performance SUV. Beneath is a fine pinstripe detail and, like the headlights, an intricate pattern formed of the heritage monogram. Instead of the predecessor’s stepped form, the outer lenses are now smooth, integrating even more harmoniously into the sweep of the rear deck.
Reversing the taper formed by the rear number plate recess, together with the reprofiled bumper, draws the eye downwards to enhance visual width and give the car an even more purposeful, planted stance. In a first for Jaguar, the rear badges gain a contemporary gloss black finish when the Black Pack or Black Design Pack is specified.
Powertrain-specific exhaust pipes emerge from the rear diffuser, clearly signalling the new F-Type’s performance intent. The 300PS four-cylinder features a single, central, quadrilateral finisher, while the 380PS V6 is distinguished by its two large round tailpipes. Both the 450PS and 575PS V8s are identified by quad, outboard exhausts, with the latter featuring etched R branding.
Whichever model customers choose, all can be made even more exclusive by specifying one of the 16 paints in the SVO Premium Palette: Ligurian Black, Ethereal Silver, Ionian Silver, Sunset Gold, Petrolix Blue, Velocity Blue, Tourmaline Brown, Desire, Sanguinello Orange, Atacama Orange, Sorrento Yellow, Constellation, Icy White, Flux Grey, Malachite Green and Amethyst. Each is available with the choice of gloss or satin, resulting in an exceptionally smooth finish and dramatic depth of colour.
The new Jaguar F-Type’s driver-focussed interior, like the exterior, has evolved into a purer expression of the car’s elegance and performance. By concentrating on further refining the traditionally British Jaguar craftsmanship and adding discreet, beautiful details, the sense of luxury and sportiness has been heightened.
The 1+1 cockpit now features a 12.3-inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster, with graphics unique to F-Type. This offers a choice of display themes, including full map but, as befits a true sports car, the default mode is characterised by the large central rev-counter.
This feature and the gearshift light subtly convey the F-Type’s character and performance potential, digitally enhancing the mechanical theatre of the pulsing red ‘heartbeat’ of the start button and the deployable centre air vents. The responsive, intuitive Touch Pro infotainment system’s 10-inch touchscreen, matched to three tactile rotary controllers, offers the perfect balance of analogue and digital driver controls.
Lightweight slimline seats combine an ergonomically-optimised form with outstanding comfort, further enhanced by heating and cooling options. The seats come in two forms: Sport and Performance. The F-Type and F-Type R-Dynamic models come with the purest Sports version as standard. The Performance seat has more pronounced support at shoulder height, and is standard on the R and First Edition models.
Rich materials such as Windsor leather add a further touch of luxury, complemented by details such as the beautifully-crafted monogram stitch pattern – repeated in the door trim – and Jaguar Leaper and R motifs in the headrests. The seat belt guides are finished with discreet ‘Jaguar Est. 1935 markings’, which are proudly repeated on the glovebox release button surround. This subtle reference signifies the year the Jaguar name was first used by company founder Sir William Lyons to brand one of his beautiful cars.
EVEN GREATER DRIVER REWARD
The ideal balance of beautiful design, visceral performance and outstanding dynamics has always made the F-Type unique, and now the definitive Jaguar sports car offers even greater driver reward.
The new Jaguar F-Type’s range of powerful, responsive engines includes four-, six- and eight-cylinder options with outputs from 300PS to 575PS – a breadth of choice unrivalled in its segment. All are matched to eight-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control using either the SportShift gear selector or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Each engine is equipped with an active exhaust system, which is switchable either as an option or as standard. Customers who choose either the 450PS or 575PS supercharged V8 benefit from the new Quiet Start function, which ensures a more subtle, refined sound – the electrically-actuated bypass valves in the rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open up under load, releasing the signature roar fundamental to the F-Type driving experience. If desired, Quiet Start can be over-ridden by selecting Dynamic Mode or by pressing the switchable exhaust button before starting the engine.
The distinctive crackle and pop on the overrun synonymous with F-Type, remains, with sounds meticulously tuned to suit the distinctive character of each model. Highly efficient, close-coupled particulate filters make them even cleaner and ensure that every F-Type meets the most stringent emissions regulations worldwide.
The filters are neatly integrated into the aftertreatment system and trap ultrafine particles as the exhaust gas passes through them. Under normal driving conditions, the trapped particles will be oxidised into CO2 and the filter regenerated whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator.
The new Jaguar F-Type R: visceral performance, outstanding dynamics
The new Jaguar F-Type R continues to set the benchmark for truly involving, driver-focused sports cars. Just as its design has evolved, so too has the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 at its heart. It now generates 575PS and 700Nm of torque; increases of 25PS and 20Nm compared to the previous model.
Taking all of the learning accrued from the development of the limited-edition, 200mph Jaguar XE SV Project 8, the Quickshift transmissions in both the new Jaguar F-Type R and the 450PS V8 models have been meticulously recalibrated for a more engaging driving experience. The new F-Type R specifically offers even faster, crisper gear changes when the driver commands shifts manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. Both upshifts and downshifts are more immediate and give an even more connected and responsive feel.
Combined with the torque on-demand all-wheel drive system with Jaguar’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology, this delivers truly extraordinary performance and immediate throttle response in all gears and in all conditions. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes just 3.5 seconds, while the maximum speed is electronically-limited to 186mph.
The bespoke calibration to IDD and to the rear electronic active differential (EAD) ensure optimum torque distribution between the front and rear axles and across the rear axle. Combined with a new calibration for the Dynamic Stability Control system, this enhances traction and dynamics – on all surfaces and in all weathers – while maintaining the F-Type R’s rear-wheel drive feel and handling balance.
Aluminium double wishbone front and rear suspension and a recalibrated state-of-the-art electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system offering an even more connected feel are fundamental to the car’s immediate and intuitive responses to every driver input.
Matched to new springs and anti-roll bars, the chassis is further enhanced by the continuously-variable dampers at the core of Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system. The valves inside each damper and the control algorithms have been recalibrated to improve both low-speed comfort and high-speed control.
The unique tune for the Torque Vectoring by Braking system enables even more precise control of the braking applied to the inner wheels to further mitigate understeer – even at high corner entry speeds.
The rear knuckles are now aluminium die castings, which, together with new, larger wheel bearings and revised upper ball joints increase camber and toe stiffness by 37 per cent and 41 per cent respectively. This results in more precise control of the tyre contact patch, which translates to an even more connected steering feel.
Fitted as standard with large 380mm and 376mm front and rear brake discs, the Jaguar F-Type R can be specified with Jaguar’s Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system. Featuring even larger 398mm and 380mm discs and six- and four-piston monobloc calipers with a distinctive yellow finish, this system delivers exceptional braking performance with outstanding fade resistance. The brake prefill system ensures consistent pedal feel, stop after stop.
The specially-developed 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres are 10mm wider than before and provide exceptional levels of grip. These are paired to new 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels in Gloss Black with contrast Diamond-Turned finish and are exclusive to the new F-Type R.
The core F-Type range: unrivalled choice in the sports car segment
New to the range is the 450PS supercharged V8. Unique to F-Type, this 5.0-litre engine has been developed to offer exploitable, useable and rewarding performance – its maximum torque of 580Nm being generated from just 2,500rpm.
It is offered with a choice of all-wheel drive and – for purists – rear-wheel drive, and each drivetrain is completed with an electronic active differential to further optimise traction. Whichever configuration the customer chooses, they will be able to experience acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds, and a maximum speed of 177mph.
F-Type’s familiar and ever-popular supercharged 3.0-litre V6 develops 380PS and 460Nm of torque and is defined by its linear power delivery and willingness to rev. Drivers are rewarded by a unique, hard-edged exhaust note from the two large centre tailpipes. The V6 is also offered with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive, and benefits from a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The pairing of Jaguar’s sports car with the 300PS 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine delivers enhanced agility and improved efficiency and affordability. This is a true F-Type, with its own unique character. This model retains the performance expected from the F-Type, and can accelerate from 0-60mph in only 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155mph.
The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 400Nm generated from just 1,500rpm, together with technologies including fully variable control of intake valve lift, integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger with ceramic ball bearings, delivers exceptional response throughout the rev range. It also makes this the most efficient F-Type in the range, with fuel economy of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km (NEDC-equivalent).
