CLUBHOUSE | DRIVING RANGE
A Statement of Intent The all-new F-Type, Jaguar’s first two-seat regular-production sports car since the iconic E-Type, is a technical tour-de-force, writes Ben Oliver.
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ome cars carry far greater significance than their sales figures would suggest. The new Jaguar F-Type, just revealed at the Paris Motor Show, is the perfect example. There’s no question that it will sell strongly, creating its own space in the sports car market between Porsche’s Boxster and 911 in price and performance, and stealing sales from those cars, the Mercedes SL and even entry-level Aston Martins. But with the F-Type, the Jaguar-Land Rover group is making a serious statement of intent. From near-bankruptcy in 2009 it made a profit of £1.5bn in 2012, most of which is down to its spectacular growth in China. It is celebrating with this new car, its first two-seat regular-production sports car since the iconic E-Type launched in 1961, and which even Enzo Ferrari had to admit was the most beautiful car in the world. It’s no coincidence that the F-Type has been named as a direct successor to the iconic E. It’s a bold, confident decision by Jaguar: while the F-Type might not have the seismic impact of its forebear, it’s a technical tour-de-force and a much harder, edgier sports car than we’ve seen from Jaguar in recent years. The current XK coupe and cabriolet continue, but with seating for four (even if there isn’t much space in the back) they’re more grand tourers than sports cars. The F-Type is a different proposition. An all-aluminium body and suspension makes for low weight and high rigidity, which in turn should make for razor-sharp handling. There will be a choice of three engines: two, 3.0-litre supercharged V6s with 340 and 380hp respectively, and a five-litre supercharged V8 with 495hp
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reaching 100kph in 4.3sec and with a top speed of 300kph. All three get the eight-speed Quickshift gearbox with an auto mode, but also full sequential manual control. The most powerful two – badged F-Type S – also get an ‘active’ exhaust system that can dial up the volume once you’re away from your neighbours, and also an optional Configurable Dynamics programme that will allow owners to optimize their car’s behavior for fast road or even racetrack use, and will include race-car features such as a lap timer and g-meter: not the type of features we’ve expected on Jaguars until now. The styling is equally edgy and confident, echoing the very successful current XK at the front and the E-Type’s lamps at the rear. In fact the rear view might be the best, the low bootlid made possible by a pop-up spoiler which only deploys over 120kph and adds 120kgs of downforce to aid handling. There will be a coupe version too, likely to launch a year after first deliveries of this openHKGOLFER.COM
topped roadster start in Spring next year. It’s usually the other way around, but Jaguar wants to make the point that the F-Type Roadster is every bit as focused as the fixed-roof car, and not a softer, ‘hairdresser’ option. Jaguar is making quite a few points with the launch of this new car. Its rivals will be listening.
The F-Type’s all-aluminium body and suspension makes for low weight and high rigidity, while the styling is equally edgy and confident
SCORECARD How much? TBA Engine: 5000cc V8 supercharged Transmission:
8-speed Quickshift gearbox
Performance:
4.3sec 0-100kph, 300kph
(electronically limited)
495hp/6500rpm, 625Nm/2500-5500rpm How heavy? 1,665kg *Based on Jaguar F-Type V8S
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