MOTORING NEWS
JAGUAR is more than doubling its F-Type sports car line-up in one fell swoop from this spring.
As well as expanding the range from six to 14 models, there will also be all-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission options plus electric power steering as standard.
It means the line-up now stretches from the new 340PS Coupe and Convertible with the supercharged V6 engine driving the rear wheels through a manual gearbox, to the 550PS F-Type R versions with supercharged V8, AWD and eight-speed Quickshift gearbox.
Jaguar says that transmitting the V8’s immense torque to the road though all four wheels helps the R models scorch from 0-60mph in a mere 3.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 186mph.
All-wheel drive cars will sport a deeper central power bulge on the bonnet while either side are new vents positioned further apart and forward than those of rear-wheel drive F-Types.
AWD S models also feature 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels, while R derivatives get 20-inch alloys.
And the AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, a control strategy designed to exploit the maximum traction while retaining rear-wheel drive character.
Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, it sends 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions – until they reach the point of losing grip.
For those wanting a manual gearshift a short travel six-speed transmission has been developed exclusively for the high-revving V6 and rear-wheel drive configuration.
Inside, the instrument cluster features new dials and gauges while the F-Type’s infotainment system has been upgraded with faster navigation and SD card-based mapping available for the first time.
Should the vehicle be stolen, InControl Secure alerts the driver via a smartphone app and works with the police to find and recover the vehicle.
When away from the vehicle, you can also check info like the fuel level or door lock status using a smartphone.
And for the ultimate in convenience, the driver can use a smartphone to start the engine, enabling the climate control system to bring the cabin to the desired temperature before a journey begins.
