Jaguar has announced the 2016 F-Type comes with the option of a manual gearbox and all-wheel drive at the LA Auto Show, broadening the range from six to 14 models.
The most notable addition for the new F-Type is all-wheel drive, which is available as an option on the mid-range V6 F-Type S and the top-end V8 F-Type R Coupe and Convertible. An eight-speed Quickshift transmission is standard here.
0 to 62mph takes 3.9 seconds for both the F-Type R Coupe and Convertible, making it three-tenths of a second faster than the rear-wheel drive Coupe and one-tenth faster than the Convertible.
Power is sent only to the front when extra traction is required, helping improve grip and acceleration while retaining the feel of the car. Jaguar’s in-house Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system looks at various factors including wheel speed, steering wheel angle and yaw rate to send torque where it needs to go.
All-wheel drive models look a little different to their rear-wheel drive counterparts. There’s a deeper bulge on the clamshell bonnet for starters and new air vents to improve cooling. The V6 S gets unique 19-inch ‘Volution’ while the R gets 20-inch Gyrodyne variants in addition to a new badge at the back.
Jaguar has adjusted the suspension to change the behaviour of the electronically-controlled dampers and the springs are now 10 per cent stiffer.
The option of a six-speed manual for the V6 and V6 S models for a more involving drive is now available. Torque vectoring, meanwhile, has been made standard on the V6 S, following in the footsteps of the R. It’s now an option on the V6.
Sport Design Packs can be chosen for both the Coupe and Convertible. This includes a bespoke splitter, sills, venturi and, in the case of the Coupe, a fixed rear spoiler. There’s also the option of a high-gloss carbon fibre roof for the Coupe if you fancy saving an extra 4.5kg of weight (or love the look).
Jaguar has seen fit to revamp the entertainment side of things, too, with a new version of the InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus infotainment systems. An iOS or Android device can be hooked up to the car, allowing a variety of features including remote engine starts for those cold mornings.
The F-Type R all-wheel drive Coupe starts from £91,650 – an increase of £4,850 on the rear-wheel drive car, while the Coupe starts from £97,135 (also £4,850 more expensive). The manual V6 and V6 S will set you back £1,850 less than an equivalent auto.
Expect the new F-Type to go on sale from the spring of 2015.
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