The new Jaguar F-TYPE has arrived in SA. The distinctive crackle and pop on the overrun – synonymous with this model – remains; the sounds meticulously tuned to suit the range of powerful four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines.

 

 

The two-seat F-TYPE has evolved from its World Car Design-winning predecessor’s form with new super-slim pixel LED headlights, featuring subtly revised ‘Calligraphy’ J signature daytime running lights. At the rear, slender tail lights inherit ‘Chicane’ LED signatures similar to the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE.

 

 

 

The surfaces of its new clamshell bonnet flow down to a grille that retains the proportions of the original’s, but is slightly wider and deeper with a new hexagonal mesh pattern. Fender vents now feature the Jaguar Leaper motif and updated bumpers at the front and back offer greater differentiation across the model range, from the F-TYPE R-Dynamic to the range-topping F-TYPE R.

 

 

As with the exterior, the driver-focussed 1+1 interior has been refined with discreet details coupled to a heightened sense of luxury and sportiness. The cockpit now features a 12.3-inch HD TFT instrument cluster with reconfigurable graphics unique to the F-TYPE. Drivers have a choice of display themes, including a full-screen navigation map, but in true sports car fashion the default mode is set to a large central rev-counter.

 

 

Inside, rich materials such as Windsor leather, engine spin metallics and satin-finish noble chrome add touches of luxury; and are complemented by Intricately crafted monogram stitch patterns. Lightweight slim-line seats with optional heating and cooling functions come in two forms: Sport and Performance depending on model.

 

 

Setting a benchmark in driver-focused sports cars, with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, is the new F-TYPE R P575. The R boasts outputs of 423kW and 700Nm with acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and a max speed of 300km/h.

Standard equipment in the R-Dynamic package includes Premium LED headlights, 19” alloy wheels, 6-way electric seat adjustments, keyless entry, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch interactive instrument cluster and six airbags, plus a fixed panoramic roof among others. The range-topping F-TYPE R adds Pixel LED headlights, 12-way memory electric seats, Ebony Windsor leather, upsized 20” alloys and an R body kit.

 

 

Three engine options are available in SA: the 221kW/400Nm Ingenium 2.0-litre 4-cylinder P300 has a 0-100km/h 5.7 seconds sprint and a top speed of 250km/h, with an average combined fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km.

 

 

The ever-popular supercharged 3.0-litre V6 P380 with 280kW and 460Nm delivers 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and maximum speed of 275km/h. It’s offered with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive, and benefits from a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Its Quickshift transmission has been recalibrated for even faster, crisper gear changes via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. A recalibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system offers immediate responses to driver input, while new springs and anti-roll bars further enhance the continuously-variable dampers at the core of Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system.

 

 

The F-TYPE R is fitted as standard with large 380mm and 376mm front and rear brake discs; and these can be specified with Jaguar’s optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system.  The specially-developed Pirelli P Zero tyres, are 10mm wider than before and provide exceptional levels of grip. These are paired to new 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels in Gloss Black with contrast Diamond-Turned finish, which are exclusive to the new F-TYPE R.