As speculated about a few weeks go on this site, Jaguar’s all-wheel drive F-Type model has just been shown at the LA Motor Show.
Adding all-wheel drive to Jaguar’s 405 kW Coupe increases the F-Type range to seven derivatives comprising the F-type Coupe (250kW, AT, RWD), S Coupé (280kW, AT, RWD), R Coupé (405kW, AT, RWD or AWD). The Convertible family will consist of the F-Type (250kW, AT, RWD), S (280kW, AT, RWD) and R (405kW, AT, RWD).
More grip
The AWD Coupé is said to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 4,1 seconds, with a limited top speed of 300 km/h. To help differentiate the AWD F-Type from two-wheel drive models it gains a unique bonnet design featuring a more pronounced power bulge and distinctive new vents.
The AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), a control system designed and developed in-house. IDD is networked to the powertrain, rear differential and centre coupling and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to provide optimum torque distribution.
Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, the AWD system sends 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. This maintains the F-Type’s rear-wheel drive handling characteristics and also reduces drivetrain losses. If the system determines that the rear wheels are approaching the limit of available grip the electronically-controlled centre coupling transfers torque to the front axle, improving traction.
Easier to steer
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a first for a Jaguar sportscar, reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4 g/km on the EU combined drive cycle because the system’s electric motor provides power assistance only when needed. EPAS has been adopted on all F-Type models.
The Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) function first developed for the F-Type R Coupé is now available on all models. Integrated into the DSC system, selectively braking the inside wheels mitigates understeer, helping the driver to take the ideal line through the bend.
More firepower for range-topping convertible
The F-Type R Convertible gains the supercharged 5,0-litre V8 from it’s hard-top sibling, which is to say it now boasts 405 kW and 680 N.m, the all-alloy quad-cam unit is matched exclusively to the Quickshift transmission.
No word on manuals for SA
While the video above clearly shows a manual derivative now added to the international line-up there is no word from Jaguar SA whether that model will be available locally.
