PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Jaguar releases full F-TYPE details

A number of Jaguar firsts are contained in the technical details of the British brand’s all-new F-TYPE, which made its global debut at today’s Paris motor show and goes on sale globally next year.

Vehicle Line Executive Ian Hoban said the F-TYPE, which he describes as “the most rewarding Jaguar ever” and the “first real Jaguar sportscar in 50 years”, is far more focussed than Jaguar’s existing three-car model range (XK, XF and XJ), without subjecting owners to a harsh or punishing driving experience.

Based on a shortened version of the larger four-seat XK’s all-aluminium chassis, the F-TYPE launches as a two-seat, front-engined, rear-drive convertible, with a coupe version due to follow next year.

Three supercharged petrol engine variants will be available from launch, opening with a 3.0-litre V6 developing 250kW at 6500rpm and 450Nm of torque between 3500 and 5000rpm.

A higher-output version of the same engine, delivering 280kW/460Nm at the same revs and with the same 9.5:1 compression, powers the F-TYPE S, while the top-shelf, V8 S develops 364kW at 6500rpm and 625Nm between 2500 and 5500rpm.

Acceleration to 100km/h is listed at 5.3 seconds for the base model, 4.9 seconds for the S and 4.3 seconds for the V8 S, while 80-120km/h acceleration times are listed at 3.3, 3.1 and 2.5 seconds respectively.

Expect the 50kg-lighter F-TYPE coupe to be even quicker.

In a surprise move, no F-TYPE will have a speed-limiter, with the entry version capable of 260km/h, the S offering 275km/h and the V8 S able to hit a claimed 300km/h.

Combined fuel consumption is a respective 9.0, 9.1 and 11.1L/100km, with CO2 emissions listed at 209, 213 and 259g/km.

The only transmission available at launch will be an eight-speed ZF ‘Quickshift’ automatic, although Mr Hoban indicated manual dual-clutch automated manual transmissions were under development.

“We’ve been surprised by the demand (for both transmissions). We’ll see, but this is best of both worlds. For now, for this car, the ZF is a world-class transmission, but I think a manual could suit the car very well and there are no technical reasons preventing either manual or dual-clutch gearboxes.”

Shift times for the new transmission are reduced by 50 per cent compared to other models with the same transmission. The transmission features an adaptive shift strategy and throttle ‘blip’ during down-changes.

In addition, S models come with a ‘Dynamic Launch’ mode that reduces 0-100km/h acceleration by 0.3 seconds and, while the V6 S gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, the V8 S features an ‘e-diff’ comprising an electric motor that acts on a clutch in the diff to maximise torque distribution.

Final drive ratios vary according to the engine – 3.15 for the base model. 3.31 for the S and 2.56 for the V8 S.

Mr Hoban said the F-TYPE’s ideal weight distribution, short overhangs, wide tracks and compact dimensions all contribute to its agility, but the key enabler for its outstanding handling is the all-aluminium body structure.

“F-TYPE is lighter and stiffer than our most sporting internal benchmark, the XKR-S,” he said, adding that torsional and lateral stiffness had been increased by 10 per cent, suspension mounting rigidity by 30 per cent, and front suspension knuckles stiffness by 25 per cent.

New structural castings for the A- and B-pillar bases, a new front-suspension subframe and cast-aluminium double-wishbone suspension front and rear help reduce kerb weight to 1597kg, or 1665kg for the V8 flagship.

Riding on a 2622mm wheelbase – 170mm longer than the Porsche 911 – the F-TYPE measures 4470mm long and 1296mm high (1307mm for the V8), making it 20mm shorter than the 911 and 320mm shorter than the XK.

As well as being 110mm wider than the 911 at a broad 1923mm, the F-TYPE has 32mm-wider wheel tracks (1585mm front, 1627mm rear) than the XK and is also 15mm lower – yet it has 17mm more headroom.

All F-TYPES get a programmable ‘Dynamic Mode’, accessed via the standard touch-screen, which delivers sharper throttle response, quicker gear shifts, improved body control, reduced steering assistance and greater rear axle slip – or any combination thereof.

In addition, both S models also offer Adaptive Dynamics, which constantly monitor driver inputs and can adapt suspension damping rates 500 times per second “to offer ideal body control without a harsh ride”.

Controlling all this is the fastest steering rack ever fitted to a Jaguar (14.6:1), with conventional hydraulic power steering assistance, as opposed to the increasingly common electric assistance.

Stopping power is provided by 325/355mm front/rear rotors in the base model, increasing to 325/380mm for the S and 376/380mm for the V8. Carbon-ceramic discs will be on the options list.

Every model will also come with a stop watch and g-meter, a retractable rear spoiler that’s claimed to reduce rear lift by 120kg, deployable air-vents and flush-fitting door-handles that pop out when required.

Inside, the distinctive rotary gear shift selector that distinguishes other recent Jaguar models has been ditched, in favour of a traditional stick shift and steering wheel paddles on the standard and optional flat-bottom steering wheels.

Visually, V6 models are characterised by dual central exhaust outlets, while the V8 gets quad outboard outlets, and staggered 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 front and 295/30 ZR20 rear Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

S models are further distinguished by sportier bonnet vents, side skirts and figure hugging electric seats, while a red/blue two-tone interior colour will be optional. Depending on the market, other options will include electric steering wheel adjustment and Xenon headlights with washers.

The F-TYPE’s small, lightweight black (only, at this stage) soft-top makes do without a tonneau cover, opening and closing electrically at speeds of up to 50km/h in 12 seconds.