The 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE will receive substantial upgrades, including the addition of Instinctive All Wheel Drive® (AWD) as standard on R models and an option on S models,
an available six-speed manual transmission available on Rear-Wheel Drive V6-powered models, and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)1. The fundamentals remain true to core DNA of Jaguar vehicles: lightweight construction, refined power, perfect proportions and outstanding design.
The enhancements broaden the F-TYPE range, from a supercharged V6 driving the rear wheels through a manual gearbox, to the 550hp F-TYPE R Coupe and Convertible with the supercharged V8, AWD and eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission. Transmitting the V8’s 502lb-ft of torque to the road though all wheels helps the R models to accelerate from zero to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds on the way to a maximum track speed of 186mph2.
While the Jaguar eight-speed automatic transmission offers an excellent blend of shift speed, comfort and refinement, there will always be a select group of enthusiasts who want the satisfaction which comes from changing gear manually. To meet that demand a six-speed manual transmission is now exclusively available for the V6 and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. The car features a short-throw gear lever with a travel of only 1.77-inches (45mm), closely-spaced ratios, and pedals well placed for heel-and-toe changes.
The F-TYPE becomes the first Jaguar sports car to use Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). Years of development ensure that the technology is now mature enough to deliver the expected response and feel. This electric system provides power assistance only when needed, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Those seeking the ultimate in top down performance will now find it in the new F-TYPE R Convertible, with standard AWD and 550hp, which replaces the RWD-only 495hp F-TYPE V8 S. A 5.0-liter V8 combines direct injection and a twin-vortex supercharger to provide immediate response to the driver. With the top down on an open road, this engine’s unmistakable soundtrack is exhilarating.
Developing 550hp and 502lb-ft of torque, the all-alloy quad-cam engine in the R Coupe and Convertible is matched exclusively to the QuickShift automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive. The extra traction of AWD enables the R Convertible to accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 3.9 seconds – matching the R Coupe – up to an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph2.
Enhancements are not limited to the chassis and driveline technology. The instrument cluster features new dials and gauges. The infotainment system has been upgraded, and the F-TYPE now features InControl Remote™, InControl Protect™ and InControl Apps™3 connectivity and telematics functions. When away from the vehicle, InControl Remote makes it possible to check information such as the fuel level or the door lock status using a smartphone. The driver can also use a smartphone to start the engine, enabling the climate control system to bring the cabin to the desired temperature before the journey begins. InControl Protect sends a signal automatically to a call center based on a supplemental restraint system trigger; an emergency call can also be initiated manually by the vehicle occupants.
For 2016 model year the F-TYPE also features an increased level of standard equipment, providing the features customers expect from a premium sports car. Now standard is the top-spec 770W Meridian™ surround sound audio system, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio & HD Radio™, Jaguar Smart Key Keyless entry – making the most of the unique deployable door handles of the F-TYPE – and 14-way fully power-adjustable seats. Coupe models also receive the panoramic glass roof as standard, adding a tremendous amount of light to the cabin. R Coupe models receive a power tailgate as standard. On S models standard equipment now includes Configurable Dynamic Mode1, a flat-bottomed racing-style steering wheel and the driver-selectable Switchable Active Exhaust.
The new 2016 model year F-TYPE Coupe and Convertible range will consist of: F-TYPE (340hp, rear wheel drive with automatic or manual), F-TYPE S Coupe (380hp automatic with RWD or AWD, or manual with rear-wheel drive), and F-TYPE R (550hp automatic with AWD).
The AWD system is offered as an option with the 380HP V6 F-TYPE S Coupe and Convertible and is standard on the 550hp R Coupe and Convertible, all equipped with the eight-speed QuickShift automatic transmission.
The underlying development philosophy for AWD was to maintain the inherent agility and precision of the rear-wheel drive character of the F-TYPE while delivering the traction and handling benefits that Instinctive All Wheel Drive offers. From behind the wheel, drivers will quickly notice the extra abilities that AWD adds to performance, handling and road holding1.
Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, the AWD system sends 100 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. This maintains the rear-wheel drive handling characteristics of the F-TYPE and also reduces parasitic losses in the drivetrain. If the system determines that the rear wheels are approaching the limit of available grip, the electronically-controlled center coupling transfers up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the front axle.
The system can vary front/rear torque split to mitigate oversteer and understeer when cornering by providing yaw damping. Upon entering a corner, if the car begins to oversteer, torque can be transferred to the front axle, generating a stabilizing moment. The process is virtually transparent to the driver. As a result, entry speeds can be higher, and the driver can apply more power sooner in preparation for corner exit.
The AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), a control system designed and developed by Jaguar to maximize the benefits of AWD without any compromise to dynamics. IDD is networked to the powertrain, rear differential and center coupling and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to provide optimum torque distribution.
Algorithms within the IDD controller continuously estimate road surface friction. The controller uses measurements from yaw rate, steering wheel angle, wheel speed, and lateral and longitudinal acceleration sensors. It also takes into account the Driving Dynamics mode selected by the driver. The IDD controller and the EAD controller use this data to determine what the vehicle is doing – known as a “state estimate” – and the design of the IDD system enables a common state estimate to be used in both controllers.
This detailed monitoring of the vehicle’s dynamics enables optimized torque distribution across the rear axle, and from front to rear, by applying both pre-emptive and feed-back control of the active driveline technologies. The result is improved agility and steering response, and the extra level of control this brings increases driver confidence.
Another benefit that AWD and IDD bring, compared to rear-wheel drive, is greater differentiation between Normal, Rain/ice/snow and Dynamic modes1. With Rain/ice/snow mode selected, the IDD control software is designed to deliver a more AWD-like character than Normal mode, while Dynamic mode provides the most rear-drive biased character. Since the system is continually updating its estimate of road surface friction, IDD will select the most suitable calibration.
All Jaguar InControl functions are standard on the 2016 model year F-TYPE.
