F-Type downsizes

Jag’s sportscar gets a 2-litre turbo engine with a potent-for-its size 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 dis- tinct character,” said Jaguar spokes- man 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.