Jaguar F-TYPE hits Australia

Jaguar has launched its all-new F-TYPE in Australia, where at least 40 orders have already been received for the spiritual successor for the British brand’s hallowed E-Type.

Comprising three supercharged variants, priced slightly lower than previously announced on May 1 due to the higher Luxury Car Tax threshold from July 1, the two-seat rear-wheel drive roadster range opens at $138,645 (plus on-road costs).

For that you get a 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6, claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds, a 260km/h top speed, combined fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km and a kerb weight of 1597kg.

Priced at $171,045 (plus ORCs), the mid-range F-TYPE S packs a more powerful (280kW/460Nm) version of the same engine to hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds, a 275km/h top speed, 9.1L/100km fuel consumption and a 1614kg kerb weight.

Topping the line-up is the F-TYPE V8 S at $201,945 (plus ORCs), powered by Jaguar’s top-shelf 364kW/625Nm 5.0-litre V8. Hitting the scales at 1665kg, it can hit 100km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a 300km/h top speed, and consumes 11.1L/100km.

All F-TYPEs come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, fuel-saving idle stop-start function, sports suspension, Dynamic mode, bi-function xenon headlights with washers and LED signature lights.

The F-TYPE range also scores LED tail-lights, deployable exterior door-handles, a deployable rear wing, a powered soft-top roof, sports seats with six-way power height and recline adjustment.

Also standard across the range is single-zone climate-control, cruise control with speed-limiter, trip computer, auto-dimming interior mirror, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry/starting, and an eight-inch colour touch-screen with satellite-navigation.

The audio package sees F-TYPE offer a 380-Watt 10-speaker single-CD Meridian sound system with Bluetooth/USB/AUX connectivity. Power windows and mirrors are of course included, as is a space-saver alloy spare wheel.

Each F-TYPE also offers a host of safety features including electronic stability control with track mode, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, anti-lock brakes, twin front and side airbags, an automatic electric parking brake, rear parking sensors and rollover protection bars.

Key features of the base model include 18-inch ‘Vela’ alloy wheels, twin central exhaust outlets, sliver brake calipers, a mechanical open differential, leather and ‘Suedecloth’ seat facings, ‘Light Hex Aluminium’ console trim, Satin Chrome rollover bars, a three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel with black shifters and ambient interior lighting.

The F-TYPE S rides on 19-inch ‘Propellor’ alloys and sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, and also adds an Active Sports Exhaust, ‘high-performance’ brakes with red calipers, limited-slip differential, leather seat facings, ‘Ignis’ gearshift paddles, ‘Dark Hex Aluminium’ console trim and dual-colour configurable ambient interior lighting with mixing palette.

Befitting its position at the top of the line-up, the F-TYPE V8 S scores 20-inch ‘Turbine Silver’ alloys, quad exhaust outlets, ‘super-performance’ brakes with red calipers, an electronic active differential, ‘Gloss Black’ rollover hoops and matching two-piece raised bonnet vents.

A host of optional extras are available for all models, including automatic wipers ($510),wind deflector ($550), digital radio ($600), tyre pressure monitoring ($750), reversing camera ($830), automatic high-bean ($865), dual-zone climate-control ($980), heated seats ($1100), front parking sensors ($1200), adaptive headlights with cornering lamps ($1500), blind spot monitoring ($1500), switchable active sports exhaust ($260 for S models, $5200 for the entry variant) and a 770-Watt 12-speaker Meridian surround sound system ($6900).

Further options include 14-way power-adjustable seats with memory, illuminated tread plates, bright stainless steel pedals, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an extended range of exterior colours and premium carpet mats.

Jaguar Australia expects each of the three variants to attract a similar number of customers as they do overseas, but expected demand of up to 200 examples per year could outstrip supplies of around 120 per annum.

No less than 90 per cent of F-TYPE buyers are forecast to come from other brands -- most notably Porsche -- or first-time sports car customers.

Jaguar says the local F-TYPE launch campaign, which kicks off in two weeks, will target the younger, tech-savvy iPad generation by being predominantly digital and employing strategies including Shazam, which allows i-devices to recognise songs (in this case in ads) and provide them with more details on the F-TYPE.

Sales of the F-TYPE coupe, which Jaguar will reveal by the end of this year, are expected to be at least double that of the convertible.