The Jaguar F-Type is often considered a spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type. But the next-generation F-Type may be more of a homage to the XJ220, if the latest rumours are to be believed. Yes, the second-generation F-Type could well adopt a mid-engined layout.
The topic was raised when Jaguar’s head designer Ian Callum was chatting to Road & Track, with Callum claiming that this was an idea he had had for many years.
“Our F-Type, before the one that became the production car, the previous design concept was mid-engine. It never happened. It would have been very different. But I think we’ve got permission to do that, because we’re a sports car company,” Callum told Road & Track.
“I don’t feel tied by it. We’ve had a discussion – will the next F-Type be mid-engine or front-engine? We’ve had that discussion. We haven’t decided yet. And even within the design studio we disagree with each other,” he added.
Switching to a mid-engined layout, of course, could see the F-Type take on the likes of the Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracan.
The next-generation F-Type is rumoured to be revealed by 2018, so we will most likely know more about the engine layout closer to the time.
