First AWD Jaguar F-TYPEs hit Oz
All-paw traction arrives in F-TYPE S and R from $172,470, with manual models here from AugustJaguar's cracking F-TYPE range will grow from six to 12 models this year as the MY16 range adds all-wheel drive and the option of a manual transmission.
The additions will also see supercharged V6 and V8 equipped with electric-assisted steering and Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVBB) for the first time, the latter previously offered only on the range-topping supercharged-V8-powered 'R'.
The all-wheel drive treatment will be applied only to automatic V6 'S' Coupe and supercharged V8 'R' Coupe and Convertible models, while the six-speed manual transmission – developed in conjunction with ZF – will be offered in two-wheel drive V6 Coupe and Convertible models, and in the V6 S Coupe.
Pricing for the F-TYPE range now begins at $119,470 for the manual Coupe, $5000 below the entry price of the eight-speed automatic. The first all-wheel drive variants land from $172,470 (plus on-road costs), with the range topping out at $261,370 for the all-wheel drive Convertible R.
Jaguar's switchable exhaust system is now offered as standard across the range while S and R variants now pick up a reverse camera and front acoustic parking sensors as standard equipment.
Like the Range Rover SVR all-wheel drive F-TYPE models will also benefit from JLR's Intelligent Driveline Dynamic (IDD) electronic technology aimed at maximising stability control, all-wheel drive (rear and centre differential control), transmission and steering settings while retaining a "rear-wheel drive character".
Jaguar Australia's Marc Gamage told motoring.com.au the in-house-developed AWD system offered in the F-TYPE is best thought of as "a rear-biased system that offers front-wheel assist on-demand" while retaining "the purest sports car driving experience in all weather conditions".
In normal driving conditions 100 per cent of engine torque is sent to the rear wheels, with torque to the front wheels summoned via an electromechanically-actuated coupling in the transfer case as required. It's a system already used to great effect in other Jaguar models including the AWD XF and XJ, and will likely appear in other models, including the XE, F-PACE and J-PACE in the not-too-distant future.
AWD F-TYPE variants are differentiated by a unique bonnet with a more exaggerated power bulge and "distinctive new vents". Power outputs remain unchanged at 250, 280 and 404kW respectively for V6, V6 S and V8 R models, placing the F-TYPE in direct competition with the likes of Porsche's 911 range, and perhaps the new Mercedes-AMG GT.
The all-wheel drive F-TYPE range is available now, with manual models to join the fold from August.
- 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE pricing (plus on-road costs):
- Coupe – $119,470 (man) / $124,470 (auto)
- Convertible – $138,170 (man) / $143,170 (auto)
- Coupe S – $151,770 (man) / $156,770 (auto)
- Coupe S AWD – $172,470 (auto only)
- Convertible S – $175,470 (auto only)
- Coupe R – $226,970 (auto only)
- Convertible R – $245,670 (auto only)
- Coupe R AWD – $242,670 (auto only)
- Convertible R AWD – $261,370 (auto only)
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