The Jaguar F-TYPE is a two-seat sports car, based on a shortened platform of the XK convertible,
manufactured by Jaguar Cars from 2013. It is the spiritual successor to the famous E-Type.
The car was launched initially as a soft-top convertible, later with a coupé version launched
in 2013.
C-X16 concept
The C-X16 form takes cues from Jaguar's 2010 C-X75 plug-in hybrid concept supercar, including
the shape of the front grille and the wrap-around rear lights, and also has a side-hinged opening
rear window reminiscent of the 1961 E-Type. The C-X16, was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt
Motor Show. Jaguar stated that the C-X16 was their smallest car since the 1954 Jaguar XK120,
at: 4,445 mm length; 2,048 mm width; 1,297 mm height.
The F-TYPE was developed under the project code "X152".
Initial release F-TYPE Convertible
The convertible version of F-TYPE was first revealed in Sundance, London which was followed
by a presentation at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Initial F-TYPE convertible models include the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S.
F-TYPE Coupé The coupé version was unveiled in 2013 Los
Angeles Auto Show and 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, followed by 2013 Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual
Awards, an exclusive event in Canary Wharf, London.
The vehicle was set to go on sale in spring 2014. Launch models scheduled include the
F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE R. Chassis
The F-TYPE uses an all-aluminium chassis, sound and vibration insulation is provided
by the addition of a special underbody tray and engine mounts, and a double bulkhead between
the engine bay and passenger compartment. The convertible roof is an electrically operated
retractable fabric hood. Jaguar says by eschewing metal it can keep the car’s centre of gravity
low, while a Thinsulate layer means thermal and sound insulation is akin to a solid roof.
Powertrain The entry-level F-TYPE uses Jaguar’s new
3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, good for 340 PS, 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds,
and a top speed of 161 mph. In the middle comes the F-TYPE S, with the same engine tuned
for 380 PS, a top speed of 171 mph, and 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The top of
the range model is the V8 S, with Jaguar’s 5.0-litre, 495 PS supercharged petrol engine.
The layout is front-engined, rear-wheel-drive. The gearbox is an eight-speed automatic with
paddle-shifters offering manual override. There is a mechanical limited-slip differential
on the V6 S and an electronic limited-slip differential on the V8. The engine choices
will remain unchanged for F-TYPE Coupé, but with the addition of a higher performance
V8 R model producing 550 PS in lieu of the convertible V8 S model.
Suspension The F-TYPE has double-wishbone front and rear
suspension with adaptive dampers and adjustable suspension settings to allow the driver to
adjust ride and handling. The F-TYPE has a total of 25 different driving modes programmed
to suit different road conditions and driving styles.
Interior
The F-TYPE interior has a two-seater setup with the leather interior and control buttons
finished in aluminium. There is a touchscreen display in the centre console and another
TFT display between the dials in the instrument panel. There is also a choice of flat-bottom
or alcantara finish for the three-spoke steering wheel and buttons finished in soft-feel matt
black. Equipment
Jaguar has introduced a stop-start engine shutoff function, which Jaguar claims boosts
economy by 5 percent. The F-TYPE has bi-xenon headlights with integrated
LED daytime running lights, along with full LED lighting at the rear. The S and V8 S versions
get an “active exhaust system” which opens special valves over 3,000 rpm to intensify
the sound profile. There is a retractable rear wing spoiler and
door handles that are left hidden with the bodywork until needed. The fabric hood raises
or lowers in 12 seconds, and can be used when the car is moving at up to 48 km/h.
The audio systems offered, use Meridian technology with either 380 W spread across ten speakers
or 770 W across twelve speakers. Production
Jaguar UK ambassador José Mourinho became the first customer to take delivery of the
new F-TYPE Coupé in March 2014. Marketing and reception
In August 2012, it was announced that American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey would be the
face of the F-TYPE, which premiered at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012.
In April 2013 a short film called Desire was launched at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival
to promote the Jaguar F-TYPE. Directed by Adam Smith from Ridley Scott Associates, starring
Damian Lewis, Jordi Molla and Shannyn Sossamon. New Musical Express called the film "typically
sumptuous promo features heavy product placement". As part of convertible launch celebration
in the UK, Jaguar launched its #YourTurnBritain campaign; inviting people to share photos
that encapsulate the best of modern Britain through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr.
The best images submitted would win one of four unforgettable F-TYPE driving experiences.
A fleet of Union Jack liveried F-TYPEs embarked on a 'Best of British' promotional tour as
part of the car's launch activity and Jaguar's #YourTurnBritain social media campaign, with
the help of ambassadors Jamie Campbell Bower, Alice Temperley, MistaJam, Graeme Swann and
Jimmy Anderson. The tour started in London in August 2013 and visited Leeds and Newcastle,
Edinburgh and Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham Cardiff,
Bristol and Oxford. Londoners would also be able to see the cars from 12–23 August as
they took residence at Canary Wharf. David Gandy was featured in a Jaguar F-TYPE
convertible film titled 'Escapism'. In the film, Gandy gives us insight into his life
as he invites us on a road trip that starts at dusk as he escapes 'the craziness of London'.
David Gandy: Escapism features the style icon driving his favourite British heritage cars
from the C-Type, E-Type and XKSS, through to the very latest F-TYPE. The film was previewed
at 2013 Goodwood Revival. As part of F-TYPE coupé launch in the US,
a 60-second TV commercial titled 'Rendezvous' was premiered the fourth quarter of Super
Bowl XLVIII. In addition, a dozen New York City Subway trains were wrapped with ads advertising
the F-TYPE in preparation for the Super Bowl XLVIII. On February 2, 2014, Jaguar unveiled
the new coupe through a Super Bowl advertisement. The "British Villains" campaign captures the
premise that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence
with charm, restlessness with calm, and are always confident. Jaguar emphasised the idea
that British were considered "bad" by Americans because of Hollywood movies always portraying
villains to be British. Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston, and Mark Strong all support
the villainous way of life as being good. Using these "villains" as the face of Jaguar
helped support the edgy side of the luxury brand. This Super Bowl advertisement also
challenged other luxury automotive markets in the US stating that Jaguar is just as edgy
or maybe more than the other luxury automotive brands. The 'Rendezvous' commercial launched
the campaign, which introduces the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe and features the campaign's unique
hashtag, #GoodToBeBad. Following the 'Rendezvous' commercial premiere at Super Bowl XLVIII,
'The Set-Up' commercial was premiered on 2014-01-11-12, and the YouTube premiere of 'Rendezvous' on
2014-01-28. "Rendezvous" was filmed by Hooper in London in a creative partnership with his
Smuggler Films production house. The spot's original score for "Rendezvous" was composed
and conducted by Alexandre Desplat, who worked with Tom Hooper on The Kings Speech and recorded
by The London Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road studios. Jaguar also hosted the
campaign page, www.BritishVillains.com, with information about the F-TYPE Coupe, the commercial
and some unique video content including teasers starring each of the three actors. In addition
to broadcast, the multi-channel campaign's Super Bowl efforts included unique outdoor
creative throughout New York City, print, digital and consumer activations hosted with
a wide array of media partners, and special events in the week leading up to the Super
Bowl. The British Villains campaign continues with regularly updated content through July
2014. As part of Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé launch in
China, David Beckham joined Jaguar as a brand ambassador. The print creative material used
in this campaign was produced by fashion photographer and filmmaker Peter Lindbergh.
Limited editions Project 7
The Project 7 is based on the F-TYPE Convertible, powered by a 5.0 V8 Supercharged engine, developing
575 PS. Only up to 250 will be made and is Jaguar's most powerful production car ever.
The body is 100% aluminium, reminiscing historical D-Type LeMans winner. Visually, it sports
an 'Aero Haunch' behind the driver, similar to the 1950's D-Type, a quad exhaust and additional
rear spoiler. It has a claimed acceleration of 0-60 mph in 3.8 secs and top speed: 186 mph.
References
External links F-TYPE at Jaguar's international website
Press kit: Jaguar F-TYPE Unveiled in Paris
F-TYPE Coupé Makes Global Motor Show Debuts in Los Angeles and Tokyo