2016 F-Type range adds more options, and an AWD-equipped new F-Type R!
The Jaguar F-Type wears its sheetmetal skin more tightly than Kim Kardashian’s yoga pants, making it a wonder that the engineers found space to stuff an all-wheel drive system underneath. Turns out, the popular two-seater, which is gaining traction (literally), was designed as an AWD car from the get-go.
Why the extra-traction option? Giving this kitty more claws moves the F-Type another step closer to offering truly world-class levels of selection on a truly world-class sports and performance car. Selection sell cars in this segment, ensuring shoppers can devise the perfect setup for their needs, tastes and budgets.
The classy F-Type launched with numerous supercharged engine options in 6 or 8 cylinders, and with a drop-top roadster configuration followed shortly by a coupe, adding a gorgeously swoopy fixed-lid alternative. And for 2016, further selection has been layered upon the F-Type range. Now, AWD is available on the mid-line 380-horsepower V6 S model, and standard on the 550-horsepower F-Type R, helping it more strongly target shoppers planning to enjoy their investment all year round, and in inclement weather. A manual transmission is available now too—in six-cylinder, rear-drive models.
The new AWD system was developed with serious steps taken to leave the F-Type’s underlying rear-drive hot-rod character intact. Mainly, this is an AWD system that, most of the time, doesn’t make its presence apparent.
In the dry, prioritizing the F-Type’s rear-drive feel and friskiness sees the AWD system only sending power up front as an absolute last resort after first using Torque Vectoring by Braking, and the Limited Slip Differential to turn up rear-wheel grip when drivers push it. Only once these two options have been exhausted will the AWD system start clamping its electromagnetic clutches together to send power forward. This all happens in milliseconds, and the system can even anticipate the need for front-wheel power in some instances. Translation? Though extra traction is only activated when needed, it’s activated right-fricken-now.
Engineers say that in very extreme conditions, up to 50 percent of engine power can drive the F-Type’s front wheels, though the percentage is typically much lower. From the driver’s seat then, piloting the 380-horsepower F-Type S around some winding sideroads, the system isn’t apparent at all.
Different story for those drivers piloting its almighty snort-monster, the F-Type R, around a fast circuit. More of this monster’s 550-horsepower can be used more of the time, and drivers can blast out of corners with more confidence and thrust, and less tire smoke and sliding and risk of dramatic surprise sidewaysness. The nearly-constant traction control intervention required to keep the rear tires from vaporizing, is gone, too. For novice and experienced track-day drivers alike, this AWD system puts more of the F-Type R’s capability on offer, more of the time.
Don’t miss the whine of the supercharger pulling the F Type R past 130 MPH on Monticello, or the gorgeous sound of the optional carbon ceramic brakes pulling it back down again and again with no fade or fuss, even after numerous hot laps.
The manual transmission available elsewhere in the model range adds a unique dimension, giving drivers even more control over the signature F-Type engine sound, which resulted from months of development.
What’s a Jaguar stick feel like? The throw is short, creamy and solid: not rifle-bolt tight or precise, but the shift mechanism and effort fall nicely between flick-of-the-wrist lightness and a good bit of exertion to remind you you’re shifting something serious. Pedals are spaced nicely for heel and toe work, and though the throttle requires a deep and prolonged stomp for blipping, it’s easy to get into the rhythm of the gearbox and throttle with some practice.
The shift mechanism and light but grabby clutch reminds your writer strongly of a BMW 335i. Test-drivers with long arms are advised to ensure they’ll be able to enact a comfortable driving position though, as your writer frequently wished the gear shifter was mounted an inch or two further away. It sits right beside you.
In all, the hot-rod feel is maintained on all models via the ever present exhaust note (an exotic wail from the V6 and a crackling bellow from the V8), the ‘right now’ torque enabled by the use of a supercharger instead of turbocharger(s), and the squirmy rear-drive character of the car when drivers push.
The added 176 pounds for the AWD system won’t be felt by average drivers in terms of steering response or turn-in, and ride quality in all model variants is admirable and composed over even very rough roads. Here’s a performance car with suspension that feels solid and robust over potholes, not flimsy and delicate.
With the recent updates, the F-Type stays fully in stride with its soul. Units are available now, with pricing from $77,500.
Want to see how Jaguar finely hones the signature F-Type exhaust note you heard in the video review? Here’s a neat article via the Halifax Chronicle Herald that gets into the details of what makes an F-Type sound like an F-Type.