Jaguar's new entry-level F-Type 12 | 04 | 2017
JAGUAR HAS LAUNCHED a new entry-level four-cylinder F-Type, designed by Scot Ian Callum. The smallest engine offered in the F-Type is available to order now from Scottish dealerships, with prices starting at £49,900. First deliveries are scheduled for the summer. (Related: John Cleland sells Jaguar oeration)
“Retaining the silhouette of F-Type across the model range is really important to us whether it’s the 200mph SVR or the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder,” Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, said.
“This is a true Jaguar sports car and a true F-Type. We didn’t want to dilute the design DNA. Even so, this car has its own unique character, and the new single tailpipe finisher exemplifies this.”
Delivering 296bhp and 295lb/ft from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new model may be 39bhp less than the rear-wheel drive V6, but it still hits 62mph from standstill in 5.4sec. That’s the same time as the V6. It does though max out 7mph under the V6’s top speed of 162mph. (Related: New Jaguar Land Rover flagship for Taggarts)
According to Jaguar, the car’s new Ingenium engine is the most powerful four-cylinder unit the company has built. It’s also 16% more frugal than the big V6, returning a not unpalatable 39.2mpg at the pumps.
The new four-cylinder model — which is not available in 4WD — is 52kg lighter than the V6 version, with the coupe tipping the scales at 1525kg, and the cabrio 1545kg.
There’s a further element of “less is more” in that Jaguar admits the four-cylinder version enjoys better weight distribution as most of the weight-saving comes from over the front axles. Jaguar has also tweaked the suspension and the power steering to counter the reduced weight. (Related: Park's begins work on new Jaguar Land Rover site)
Further alterations have been made to the car’s eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is the only transmission available on the four-cylinder.
The new model also benefits from an active exhaust, which is standard on the four-cylinder and can be further tweaked with a switchable active exhaust on the R-Dynamic trim cars.
“Introducing our advanced four-cylinder engine to F-Type has created a vehicle with its own distinct character,” Ian Hoban, vehicle line director, Jaguar F-Type, said.
“Performance from an engine of this size is remarkable and is balanced with improved fuel efficiency and affordability, making the F-Type experience more accessible than ever before.”
Related: Jaguar I-Pace hits the streets
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Jim McGill