Jaguar's recently-unveiled and priced F-type sports car has now been fully detailed by its maker, at least in terms of technical specs. Even the base car, Jaguar said, will outperform the XKR-S in terms of handling dynamics.
The top-rung V8 S will be capable of reaching 60mph from a stop in just 4.2 seconds and go onto a top speed of 186mph. There will also be a base supercharged V6 and a naturally-aspirated V8. All will use an eight-speed Quickshift automatic.
The nitty-gritty details include the use of an all-aluminum double wishbone suspension and the quickest steering rack ever fitted onto a Jaguar, AutoCar reported. The largest available front brakes are 15 inches in size, with the largest wheel sized at 20 inches. The seating position of the driver is nearly three quarters of an inch lower than in the XK. The body is also 10 percent better in terms of torsional rigidity compared to the XKR-S, while lateral stiffness is 30 percent greater compared to the standard XK.
The F-type S will get a mechanical LSD, while the V8 S gets an active electronic differential. Both S models get launch control and all variations get electronic aids like stability and traction control.
Drivers will get a choice of Normal and Dynamic modes, which will change the way the throttle responds, the weight of the steering, transmission shift speeds, and the intervention levels of the electronic aids. The active suspension on the S models will also get more aggressive when Dynamic mode is selected.
A third mode, Configurable Dynamics, lets drivers customize the level of interventions and individual settings. The touchscreen in this mode will show lap and split times, as well as g-forces, throttle and brake inputs.
The S models also get active exhausts, which contain valves that open for more noise when Dynamic mode is chosen.
Base F-types get a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 that makes of torque. It features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts, and a spray-guided direct-injection system. The F-type S adds a Roots-type supercharger to it and boosts power to 380 horsepower and 339lb-ft. Quoted performance is 5.1-seconds to 60mph and a 161mph top speed for the base car along with 4.8 seconds and 171mph for the S, respectively. The 5.0-litre V8 engine in the F-type V8 S makes 495 horsepower and 461lb-ft. All three have a stop-start system as well to improve fuel economy.
The ZF eight-speed is unique in that it offers a locking clutch that takes over from the torque converter once out of first gear for a more direct connection to the rear wheels. Sensors tied to the transmission programming allow the gearbox to hold gears through corners based on cornering load. There are 25 unique profiles that are adjusted based on road conditions and driving style. Drivers can pick ratios themselves through paddles on the wheel or the shifter.
The F-type is due to arrive in U.S. showrooms next summer, with prices ranging from about $69,000 (base), through $81,000 (S), to $92,000 (V8 S), excluding options.
