The F-Type, as the British brand calls it, is the definitive Jaguar sports car. Although we think that the design of the (now predecessor) F-Type still remains timeless, Jaguar has given their quintessential sports car an overhaul to keep up with the competitors, as well as their own newer models.
Visual changes for the refreshed F-Type are mostly found ahead of the windscreen. The front-end is completely redesigned, featuring a super-slim pixel LED headlights with ‘Caligraphy J’ daytime running lights and sweeping indicators.
The front grille of the F-Type has been enlarged with a new mesh finish, flanked by sculpted air inlets with variant-specific discreet signature graphics.
The lower apron receives trim-specific design choices – Entry-level core F-Type models get a clean and sculptural look, while the sportier R-Dynamic trim gains functional layered J aero-blades. The R models meanwhile gets additional black bezels around the air inlets.
The Jaguar F-Type also features a new clamshell bonnet design, with softer curves and surfaces, which Jaguar calls “liquid metal”. Jaguar says that the new front redesign gives the F-type a more sculpted and assertive look, exaggerating the car’s stance, and visual width and length while being no bigger in terms of dimensions than its predecessor.
The timeless F-type haunch shape is still here, along with sloping roofline (on the coupe). The changes made to the rear are more subtle, including new taillights featuring the ‘chicane’ design introduced in the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace. The rear diffusers also received minute tweaks, which surrounds the powertrain-specific exhaust tailpipes.
Along with the refreshed looks, the engine line-up of the F-Type has also been given a revamp. A total of four engine choices are now available globally, where a new 450 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine joins the line-up.
Jaguar says that the new engine is designed to deliver instantly exploitable and rewarding performance, with peak torque of 580 Nm is available at just 2,500 rpm. The result? 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.4 seconds, onward to a top speed of 285 km/h.
The entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium 4-cylinder engine remains the same with a 300 hp power output, as with the 380 hp 3.0-litre V6; The top-of-the-range 5.0-litre V8 has its output bumped to 575 hp and 700 Nm (from 550 hp and 680 Nm respectively).
The 575 hp V8 is only available in the sportiest R specification, which gets new adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, among other mechanical parts to handle the added power. Zero to 100 km/h is now done in just 3.5 seconds, reaching an electronically-limited 299 km/h flat out.
All engine choices are paired to an eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission, but Jaguar says the F-Type R and the 450 hp models receive a retuned box for faster shifts, based on the learnings from Jaguar XE SV Project 8.
The two middle engine choices (380 hp V6 and 450 hp V8) have the option of either an AWD or RWD set up, but the 575 hp F-Type R is strictly limited to all-wheel drive. Conversely, the entry-level four-cylinder mill will only be available with rear-wheel drive.
On the inside, the Jaguar F-Type receives a new 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster – configurable in multiple display styles including a large central tachometer and full map view.
The TouchPro infotainment system has also been updated with Smartphone Pack with Apple CarPlay as standard. Depending on the market, the Smartphone Pack also comes with Android Auto or Baidu CarLife.
Two “lightweight slimline” seats are available – Sport and Performance. The Sport comes standard on the base and R-Dynamic trims, while the Performance featuring enhanced shoulder support is standard for the R edition.
In terms of materials, the interior of the F-Type features Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome trims. Intricate details are found throughout the cabin, such as the monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, along with Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.
For the first year on sale, the F-Type will also be offered in a First Edition guise. Based on the R-Dynamic trim, the First Edition gains the Exterior Design Pack in special colours, black contrast roof, unique 20-inch wheels, special trim details, Performance seats, as well as First Edition brandings.
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