Jaguar F-Type: AWD adds 4x4 bite to 540bhp R Coupe
F-Type range set to grow from six to 14 derivatives in 2015 and the full line up will debut at the LA show later this month
Jaguar has released official confirmation that four-wheel drive and other ‘performance enhancements’ will be added to the F-Type range imminently. In a press release announcing a major new partnership with the Bloodhound SSC World Land Speed Record programme, Jaguar confirmed that an AWD Jaguar F-Type R Coupe has carried out a ‘key communications test on the Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape, South Africa’.
Although full details are being saved for later this month, when the updated F-Type range will debut at the LA Motor Show, Jaguar confirmed that the AWD R Coupe will cover 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds (0.1 seconds faster than the rear-wheel drive 542bhp F-Type R Coupe) and hit a limited top speed of 186mph.
• Four-wheel drive F-Type spotted
Jaguar has stated that the F-Type range will grow from 6 to 14 derivatives when the updated line-up goes on sale in 2015. Other than four-wheel drive, manual gearboxes are expected to become optional, reducing the entry price to F-Type ownership.
Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director said: “Our target with engineering the all-wheel drive F-TYPE was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that’s so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability. The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all weather and road conditions.”
The AWD F-Type was driven by Bloodhound Project Director and former land speed record holder, Richard Noble, flat out across the desert. On board was the same radio equipment that the SSC will be carrying when it attempts to break the 1,000mph barrier in 12 months time. A jet, flying overhead at 500 knots and just 50 feet above the ground, successfully tested the communications system that will be used during the record attempt.
Read our full review of the Jaguar F-Type here...
