Six ‘F’ words describe Jaguar’s new sports car

THE JAGUAR F-Type Coupe is considered the brand’s most capable and performance-focused production Jaguar yet.

It was Jaguar’s first exclusive F-Type Coupe track day in the Philippines at the Clark International Speedway for both media and special guests.

The Jaguar F-Type Coupe is considered the brand’s most capable and performance-focused production Jaguar ever to come out of its factory.  The F-Type has brought back the racing spirit of Jaguar since its departure from the Ford Premier Group ownership, which made its Jaguar cars more saloon-like, according to Rupert Crook, the event’s professional driving instructor.

“We are introducing the Jaguar F-Type to a wider segment including the younger, more performance-oriented drivers who will appreciate its sportiness, as well as its Jaguar flagship looks.

The F-Type definitely breaks into supercar territory with undeniable performance features to make this Jaguar a powerful contender in its class,” said Wellington Soong, chair and president of Jaguar Cars Inc.

Fast and fun

It looks fast even at standstill. With its new all-aluminum and aerodynamic body, the F-Type Coupe is built to be lightweight with a high performance engine and chassis to handle its torque and power.

Its chassis has a torsional  rigidity  of  33,000  Nm/degree, considered the  most  torsionally rigid  production Jaguar ever.

Under the bonnet is a choice between two engines. The F-Type R Coupe is powered by a 550-horsepower, 5-liter supercharged V8 engine, and will reach 100 kph in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 300 kph (with electronic speed limiter), while the F-Type S Coupe is powered by a 3-liter supercharged V6 engine in 380 HP, giving 0-100 kph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 275 kph (with electronic speed limiter).

This writer had a chance to floor the accelerator to check how fast the F-Type R could sprint: The car did not disappoint.

Both engine variants feature an  eight-speed “Quickshift” transmission, with full manual sequential control using paddles located on the steering wheel or with the central SportShift  lever. The transmission intelligently gives the F-Type an almost linear acceleration.

Fit and fabulous

The original design of the Jaguar F-Type Coupé was built on the design of the stunning C-X16 concept sports coupe and won the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award.

Jaguar’s expertise in aluminum vehicle architecture has been essential in enabling both the car’s uncompromised design aesthetic, but still having a lightweight body with low mass and an extremely rigid body.

“Creating a sports coupe is the purest of design tasks, and also the most challenging; get it right and aesthetically the result will be as dynamic as the car should be rewarding to drive. In F-Type Coupe, I believe we’ve got it right. The purity of the C-X16 concept has been retained without compromise; the F-Type Coupe’s long bonnet, low roofline and tapering cabin inspire me every time I see them,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design.

Full of character and finesse

The F-Type’s leather-clad and luxurious interior matches the elegance and gracefully flowing exterior as well as the bells and whistles like the latest infotainment and navigation system.

The gentle growl of the R variant patiently waits for the driver to punch the accelerator and lets off a beautiful roar from its exhaust system.

But despite being a high performance super car, the Jaguar F-Type keeps its CO2 emissions down to a relatively reasonable 209 g/km.

Despite its sleek outline, it has about 407 liters of boot space, more than enough to carry sets of golf bags.

During the braking exercises at the track, the F-Type Coupe showed its cat-like braking reflexes from straight line braking to evasive maneuvers.

Using orange traffic cones set up on the track, participants were told to floor the accelerator and apply the brakes using full force.

Not surprising, the car went from about 80 kph to full stop in less than 10 meters. Its ABS braking system worked without fail or flaw, and the car was very stable even during the aggressive braking exercise.

Thanks to its second-generation  Electronic Active Differential which works in parallel with a new torque vectoring by braking system, lapping around the track made novice drivers drive like a pro. With its enhanced agility, participants were able exploit the car’s handling prowess.

For more information on the F-Type Coupe, visit the Jaguar Lifestyle Center at 32nd and 4th Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. You can also e-mail sales@jaguar.com.ph or call 856-CARS (2277).