Hybrid Jaguar F-TYPE confirmed

A hybrid is part of Jaguar’s future powertrain plan for its stunning new F-TYPE sportscar.

The two-seat F-Type convertible launched overnight at the Paris motor show with supercharged V6 and V8 petrol engines and goes on sale in Europe and Australia in the second quarter of 2013.

In an interview with motoring.com.au at the Paris show, Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark confirmed the hybrid variant was one of a number of additions that would be rolled out during the F-TYPE’s model’s life.

“Hybrid definitely, we will do it at some stage in the future,” he promised.

Jaguar is also considering uprated supercharged V8 engines for potential R and RS versions of the F-TYPE, manual and/or dual-clutch gearboxes alongside the current eight-speed ZF auto, all-wheel drive in addition to rear-wheel drive and a coupe bodystyle.

Diesel is a definite no, but a four-cylinder forced induction petrol engine very unlikely.

The move to hybrid is a logical one considering the C-X16 concept coupe that previewed the F-TYPE was powered by a supercharged V6 engine assisted by an electric motor. Its unique feature was a ‘push to pass button’ that instantly pumped up extra power from the Li-ion battery pack.

“C-X16 was that future vision of performance and although we won’t give you a date for when, or the technology, we have at least two options and whatever we do it will be performance-hybrid orientated, like the C-X16 is,” Mr. Hallmark said.

“It will still deliver all the green credentials but will use the hybrid power to really boost performance and acceleration as well as be able to run with autonomy for more distance than the competition. That’s the dual objective of our hybrid strategy.”

Whatever comes and when, Hallmark made it clear that a regular flow of F-Type iterations and technology was vital to keep interest high.

“I think the way we have managed products in the past has been utterly uncompetitive,” he said.

“Launch products and then do nothing with them for four years and then do a light facelift. You cannot compete with that attitude.

“All the way through the life of the vehicle (F-TYPE) …it needs a heart-beat. Every year there’s got to be a big thump and a little thump, and that can be all kinds of things. It can be more power, more technology, adjustments to bodystyles. All kinds of things.

“I can promise you we have full and aggressive and competitive lifecycle plan for that vehicle but I can’t comment on which engine when, how much power, manual, auto or PDK (dual clutch), ceramics, coupe, targa, wide body or narrow body. We can do it all.

“But today we are talking about one car, one body and three engines at least for the first year and a bit and that’s more than enough.”

Read more Paris Motor Show stories at motoring.com.au

See all the photos from the Paris Motor Show at motoring.com.au

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