FINE DRIVING: 2016 JAGUAR F-TYPE
Jaguar expands the F-Type lineup with AWD and manual options
YONKERS, N.Y. — Let’s call this one what it truly is: more justification for enthusiasts to put one of Jaguar’s stunning F-Type Coupes or Convertibles in their driveways.
It’s not about the F- Type’s looks; the British automaker would have a hard time improving on what is already one of the most sensuous cars on the planet. For the 2016 model year, it’s about choice. New powertrain and driveline options — specifically the addition of all-wheeldrive and manual-transmission models, plus the introduction of an F-Type R Convertible — significantly broaden the lineup.
It’s a little confusing at first, Jaguar being very specific about the mixing and matching of engine and drivetrain. But if you want the privilege of shifting gears yourself, you can’t have all-wheel drive or the 5.0litre supercharged V8 engine. The six-speed ZF transmission is offered only on rear-drive 340-hp and 380-hp 3.0-litre V6 Coupes and Convertibles.
The addition of all-wheel drive — with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics — is standard on the 550-hp R Coupe and Convertible and an available option on the 380-hp S Coupe and Convertible models.
For those concerned that the additional 80 kg the all-wheeldrive system packs onto the twoseat sports car somehow diminishes its performance dynamics, let me assure you, the F-Type — notably the topline R — is still stinkin’ fast. And gloriously, hellaciously loud!
Jaguar maintains both the AWD R Coupe and Convertible are capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
A morning spent driving the AWD R Convertible from Manhattan to the Poconos mountain range of Pennsylvania via deliciously twisting, curving secondary highways and through copious towns and villages, confirmed the road-handling superiority of the sports car — at least on perfectly dry yet patched tarmac. Though to be honest, my driving partner and I were more impressed by the complete lack of cowl shake in a tightly built droptop.
As for why Jaguar feels the need to add AWD to the model mix, the official party line has something to do with taking the car to the “next” level of performance. But the unspoken motive is that Jaguar wants to be more competitive with the likes of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4.
The drive to the Poconos was interrupted by a segue to Monticello Motorsport Park to give the AWD Coupe Rs a workout. A highly technical circuit with blind corners, double apexes and tricky left-right combinations, and long straights, the track showcased the R’s prodigious power and grip in a very positive light.
As to whether the AWD F-Type is any faster than the rear-drive model, that’s a tough call for all but the most skilled racer — at least in the dry. Throw a little moisture on the circuit, however, and the results could prove interesting. Still, the F-Type is, at heart, a high-speed touring car — especially the Convertible — so I wouldn’t get too caught up with the hard numbers.
For the gear heads out there, the AWD system operates on the torque- on- demand principle, with the system sending 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal conditions. This means the rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics of the F-Type are maintained. If the system determines the rear wheels are approaching their traction limits, the electronically controlled centre coupling transfers up to 50 per cent of the torque to the front axle. The system can also vary front/rear torque split to mitigate oversteer and understeer when cornering by providing yaw damping.
Integrating AWD required only subtle changes to the F-Type’s styling. The aluminum clamshell hood gains a deeper central power bulge and distinctive new vents, positioned farther apart and farther forward than those of rear-wheel-drive F-Types.
The next morning’s drive, back to New York City in a manual-equipped V6 S Coupe, was more of the same in terms of handling dynamics, albeit with more driver involvement, thanks to short throws and properly spaced gearing. Electric powerassist steering, already standard on the R models, is now available on the V6 models.
For many of the back roads, third gear handled the duties with no complaint, proving suitably tractable for all manner of twisty bits. Shifting through the gears was seamless, unless attempting a full-throttle upshift at or near redline, in which case there was some coarseness to the operation.
If there was any disappointment to the pure “driver’s car” vibe of the V6 S, it is that the engine note, while delivering a suitably basso profundo tone from the exhaust pipes, lacks the “hell-hounds unleashed” disturbance that emanates from the V8’s quad trumpets.
Though I admit the AWD R Coupe is a more logical choice for the Canadian market, its four-wheel grip extending the car’s safe use to 12 months of the year, I have to admit a yearning for the more involved driving experience afforded by the sixspeed manual F-Type V6 S.
Pricing for 2016 ranges from $ 77,500 for the rear- drive F-Type Coupe ( regardless of transmission) to $120,500 for the all-wheel-drive F-Type R Convertible.