Jaguar has stuck a powerful four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine in the F-Type, resulting in 295bhp and a lower kerb weight. We delve into the cheapest ever F-Type’s performance figures and UK price.
A new engine has been announced for the Jaguar F-Type. The British-built sports car will soon be available with a four-cylinder Ingenium petrol designed to offer a combination of speed, affordability and agility. Here are 10 facts you should know because knowledge is power. Or something.
For some related reading, you may want to check our our initial thoughts of the range-topping MY18 F-Type SVR, which we got to hoon around at Rockingham Circuit. It’s a tough life, yes.
1) Jaguar has never made a more powerful four-cylinder
Usually the name Ingenium conjures up a diesel, but the new one in the F-Type is a petrol lump capable of producing 295bhp (300PS), compared with the 335bhp (400PS) generated by its faster V6 sibling. That gives it an unrivalled 150PS per litre, greater than any other F-Type in the range.
2) Jaguar has also never made a lighter F-Type
In using a smaller engine, Jaguar has managed to save 52kg compared with the equivalent model 340PS V6 and reduced the mass over the front axle, improving weight distribution. That means it should feel lighter and be better in the corners.
3) The performance figures look promising
Bury your foot and the 2.0-litre is claimed to be able to take the coupe and convertible F-Type from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds (same as the 340PS V6 manual and four-tenths slower than the auto) and will then hurtle towards an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (249km/h).
4) The torque figure is meaty, too
Jaguar’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission has the task of delivering 295lb/ft (400Nm) to the rear wheels from 1,500rpm. In the interest of affordability, there is no all-wheel drive option.
5) Bespoke revisions were order of the day
Because the engine is lighter, the front and rear spring rates have been reduced by four and three per cent, respectively. Jaguar has also adjusted the steering to match the new weight and improve ‘tactility and feedback’ so it should feel different, but only a drive will tell.
6) New 18-inchers keep the unsprung weight down
New lightweight 18-inch alloys live within the arches, complete with 245/45/R18 tyres at the front and 275/40/R18 at the rear. 19s and 20-inch alternatives are available, complete with the option of the bigger discs you get with the Super Performance Braking System for more stopping power.
7) It should be more tree-friendly
Another benefit of the smaller Ingenium petrol is to do with eco-friendliness. Liquid gold consumption is said to be 39.2mpg combined, making it at least 16 per cent more fuel efficient than the 340PS V6. Meanwhile CO2 comes in at 163g/km, making it cleaner at the exhaust.
8) Noise was really important to Jaguar
A big draw of the F-Type is the noise of the thing (just listen to the V8) so it is no wonder people in white coats spent a while ensuring it makes a pleasing noise. We have yet to hear it, but Jaguar describes it as the ‘feisty younger brother of the V6 and V8’ so here’s hoping it sounds good.
9) This is the first sub-£50,000 F-Type
Though the F-Type has always been available close to £50,000 if you were happy with no optional extras, the smallest power output and a lack of a supercharger, the 300PS four-cylinder F-Type is actually the first to dip below. Prices start from £49,900 so it just sneaks in. The previous cheapest F-Type was £51,250 and that got you a manual coupe.
10) The UK release is nigh (near)
Yeah, there is no exact release date just yet. But we know the 300PS four-cylinder F-Type is set to go on sale from ‘spring 2017’, according to Jaguar. So it may be worth giving your local dealer a buzz if an affordable-ish F-Type is the dream.
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