Race aces sample Jaguar F-TYPE

Jaguar’s all-new F-TYPE is now roughly six months away from going on sale here, and as part of the final development program, the company invited three non-factory drivers to offer their inputs on the car.

The pilots in question were veteran racers Martin Brundle (now better known as an expert F1 commentator), Christian Danner and Justin Bell, who put both 280kW V6 and 364kW V8 prototype models to the test.

The trio punted the F-TYPE in cold and challenging conditions at the UK’s Snetterton 300 circuit and on the surrounding Norfolk roads, with their efforts witnessed by Jag’s chassis development guru, Mike Cross.

Jaguar’s press release doesn’t elaborate on the racers’ thoughts on the car, but it’s believed the F-TYPE will set new dynamic benchmarks for the brand, which it will need to do in order to stack up as a legitimate alternative to the likes of Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman.

We’ll be able to tell you more in three months, after we’ve driven the car at the international media launch.

The F-TYPE roadster isn’t the only new model in Jaguar’s product pipeline, as also in the works is a coupe version of the F-TYPE, as well as a BMW 3 Series-rivalling compact sedan and a family-focused crossover.

UK’s Autocar claims a full-size model of the upcoming 3 Series rival already exists, and that its styling has been “virtually finalised”.

According to the magazine, the compact Jag measures 4.3 metres in length, while its front- and all-wheel drive platform will be shared with the next-gen Land Rover Freelander.

However, company execs are anxious to not repeat the mistakes made with the unloved X-Type (2001-2009) and Autocar suggests they are even considering not badging the car as a Jaguar to avoid diluting the brand’s core values.

Meanwhile, work on the proposed SUV is also said to be well underway, with one Autocar source who has allegedly seen the full-size model of the SUV describing it as “spectacular”.

The mag reports the Jag SUV will use the same basic aluminium riveted platform as the XJ saloon and will be built on the same line at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich factory.

In addition, Jaguar’s plans include the next-gen XK coupe/convertible, which will move upmarket to leave sufficient room for the F-TYPE.

The company’s drive to grow its modest annual sales volume of 60,000 vehicles has also prompted it to moot a hatchback to rival the BMW 1 Series and VW Golf.