The Jaguar F -type has been one of the biggest stories in the automobile world this year. The debut at the Paris Show and the strong positive response means that it is yet another hit in the making. In India too Jaguar has started churning out good numbers with buyers loving the distinct styling and its different take on luxury from its German rivals. While the world has seen the F-Type, our turn to get this new sports car will be in early next year when the F-Type lands here. When it is launched in India, expect a price-tag upwards of Rs 1 crore which puts it somewhere between the Porsche 911 and the new Boxster.
To recap about the F-Type, there will be three variants- the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S. They are powered by Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS and 380PS outputs and its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495PS. All engines drive through an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ transmission, a centrally mounted SportShift selector offering full manual sequential control, as do the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Both the S models have a limited-slip differential – the V6′s mechanical and the V8′s electronic.
The S models also have an ‘Active exhaust’ system and an optional Configurable Dynamics programme. This allows the driver to tailor a number of the dynamic features to personal taste and includes lap timer and G-meter functionality. The F-TYPE is constructed around the fourth generation of Jaguar’s aluminium architecture which makes it lighter and stronger. Though being a Jaguar looks matter and with the F-Type you will not be disappointed. Taking inspiration from the C-X16 concept unveiled in 2011, the front of the F-TYPE features a new interpretation of the Jaguar grille from which flows the muscular clamshell bonnet with its signature ‘power bulge’.
The all important heartline begins its journey in the blade dissecting the shark-like gills on either side of the grille before leading the eye to the top of the front wing, emphasised by the bi-xenon headlamp and integral LED daytime running lights, into the door and towards the rear of the car where it disappears. As usual you get full LED rear lamps which wrap around to the trailing edge of the rear wheelarch. The cabin too is driver oriented though you will get luxury but it is clear this is not a XJ but a sports car. The detailing inside and the quality is brilliant something that the owners are going to love. We cannot wait to have a go in this.
Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel
While the F-Type is aimed at the niche segment it is the XF that will bring in the volumes. In India the XF is one of the best selling Jaguars and is now all set to become more affordable and economical in form of the 2.2 Diesel. This will be the cheapest XF and also the most efficient and will provide stiff competition to its German rivals.
The XF 2.2 Diesel makes 188 bhp and has features like a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an innovative Stop-Start system – marking the first time such a device has been fitted to a Jaguar. The other big news is the price as the XF will now be made alongside the Land Rover Freelander at the Tata Motor’s plant in Pune. Other changes that will be applied to the XF 2.2 is a reduction of features to make it competitively priced though be rest assured it will still be a lavishly equipped sedan just like any Jaguar should be. This will reduce the price of the XF and will bring in a lot more sales.
For more details regarding the F-Type visit our F-Type page
