Box Autos

The F-TYPE has undergone its first dynamic challenge outside of Jaguar’s internal development programme, following an invitation to three world-renowned drivers – Martin Brundle, Christian Danner and Justin Bell – to put both 380PS V6 and 495PS V8 prototype models to the test.

In cold and challenging conditions at the UK’s Snetterton 300 circuit and on the surrounding Norfolk roads, the trio of international racing drivers and television presenters – resident in the UK, Germany and the US – were able to experience the F-TYPE’s performance in full.

Their efforts were witnessed by Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar, the man who has directed the team which has worked tirelessly to ensure the F-TYPE delivers a truly rewarding sports car driving experience.

“It’s been a fascinating day,” said Mike. “The entire F-TYPE development programme has, from a vehicle development perspective, been focused on delivering a connected sports car driving experience. To witness three respected drivers take to the track and to hear their positive comments validate our work has been great.”

The camouflaged prototype F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S models provided for the test were fully representative of production intent from a dynamic and powertrain perspective. The 380PS F-TYPE S covers the 0-60mph sprint in 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) and has an electronically limited top speed of 171mph (275km/h). Corresponding headline figures for the F-TYPE V8 S are 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds) and an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h). Both feature all-aluminium construction, Adaptive Dynamics suspension and an Active Exhaust system.

Launched at this year’s Paris Auto Show, the all-aluminium F-TYPErepresents a return to Jaguar’s heartland: a two-seater, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. Three models are available – F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S. They are powered respectively by Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS and 380PS outputs and its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495PS.

Following a 13-year career in Formula 1, in 1997 Martin Brundle began a second successful career as a television commentator and today is the expert face of F1 for Sky Sports. In addition to his F1 driving career, Martin raced very successfully for Jaguar in World Sports Cars, taking the drivers’ crown in 1988 and victory at Le Mans in 1990.

The winner of the first Formula 3000 championship, Christian Danner went on to race in F1, Indycars and touring cars – winning both the Spa and Nürburgring 24-hour races in 1992. He is the F2 lap-record holder at the Nürburgring and today he commentates on Formula 1 for German TV channel RTL.

After beginning his competition career on two wheels, Justin Bell switched to cars in 1988 and has since raced for many car manufacturers, winning the 1997 World FIA GT2 Championship in a Dodge Viper with a 1998 GT2 Class win at Le Mans in the same car. Today, resident in the US, Justin works for a variety of TV outlets.

Long rumored, often speculatively rendered , and once before making it to the  concept stage , the Jaguar F-Type has been on the horizon for what seems like an eternity. But now it’s here, uncamouflaged and ready for sale, next year. Built on an aluminium chassis, the F-Type is a strict two-seater. It’s smaller and more agile than the XK, and from launch it will come in three different models, the F-Type, the F-Type S and the F-Type V8 S. The three different trims equate to three different engines; a supercharged 340 horsepower 3.0 litre V6, a supercharged 380 horsepower 3.0 litre V6, and a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 which produces 495 horsepower. Initially the sole transmission option for the F-Type will be a ZF 8-speed semi-automatic.

Looks-wise the Jaguar F-Type is typically Jaguar, and there are many styling cues tying it to the brands other offerings. At the same time it’s got a slightly more youthful and dynamic look about it, which suits the car’s target market – one which is less concerned with getting golf clubs in the back than your average XK buyer.

If you want to find out absolutely everything there is to know about the F-type you can study the massive 4,800 word press release below the image gallery. Good luck!