F-Type downsizes

Jag’s sportscar gets a 2-litre turbo engine with a potent-for-itssize 221kW output

JAGUAR is expanding its F-Type range with the introduction of a new 2-litre baseline model in both coupé and convertible variants.

Until now only available in high-powered, supercharged 3-litre V6 and 5-litre V8 versions, the two-seat sports car inherits the four-cylinder Ingenium 2-litre turbo petrol engine already used in the Jaguar XE and XF sedans. Power is however bumped up from 177kW and 340Nm to a much sportier 221kW and 400Nm, providing performance more befitting an F-Type: it scoots to 100km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds and reaches a 249km/h top speed.

With maximum torque generated from just 1 500rpm, the twinscroll turbocharged engine is designed to deliver lag-free response throughout the rev range. Power’s transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Quickshift transmission.

This is the most powerful four-cylinder unit yet offered in a production Jaguar and it also generates the highest specific power output of any engine in the F-Type range, at 110kW per litre. It’s also said to be the most economical F-Type although Jaguar doesn’t quote a figure.

“Introducing our advanced four-cylinder engine to F-Type has created a vehicle with its own distinct character,” said Jaguar spokesman Ian Hoban. “Performance from an engine of this size is remarkable and is balanced with improved fuel efficiency and affordability, making the F-Type experience more accessible than ever before.”

The Ingenium engine helps trim 52kg of vehicle mass - most of it over the front axle - giving the four-cylinder F-Type agile handling with less nose-heaviness.

Jaguar has tuned the exhaust to give this four-cylinder version sporty acoustics, while the R-Dynamic variants feature a switchable active exhaust for even more ear candy.

The F-Type range is also revamped with a wider range of driver assistance systems including Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor.

The new 2-litre F-Type will arrive in South Africa during the last quarter of 2017. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.