Press Release
Already recognized as the most dynamically capable and performance-oriented Jaguar, the F-TYPE sports car continues to evolve for 2018, with a fresh look, new powertrain options and the addition of standard technology features previously unavailable.
Since its launch in 2012, the all-aluminum two-seater has firmly established itself as a strong competitor in its sports car segment and has won nearly 160 awards worldwide. The balance of seductive design, stunning performance and outstanding dynamics has always made the F-TYPE unique. Since its introduction, the F-TYPE range has evolved to include both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the option of automatic and manual transmissions, as well as both rear- and all-wheel drive.
For the 2018 model year the F-TYPE offers even more driver-focused technologies and a broader model range; now comprising of 24 derivatives that include an all-new turbocharged 296hp Ingenium four-cylinder entry model, a number of supercharged V6 options and even the 200mph (3), all-wheel drive 575 hp V8 powered F-TYPE SVR.
The pairing of the all-aluminium F-TYPE sports car with an advanced 296hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium engine delivers Jaguar sports car DNA with enhanced agility and affordability. This is a true F-TYPE, with its own unique character.
The new model retains the performance expected from the F-TYPE, and can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155mph (2). The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 295-ft. lbs generated from just 1,500rpm work in combination with the eight-speed Quickshift transmission to deliver exceptional response throughout the rev range.
“Introducing our advanced four-cylinder engine to the F-TYPE has created a vehicle with its own distinct character,” said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar F-TYPE. “Performance from an engine of this size is remarkable and is balanced with improved fuel efficiency and affordability, making the F-TYPE experience more accessible than ever before.”
Every F-TYPE now features the Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ infotainment. Its super-fast responses, intuitive tablet-style pinch-to-zoom and swipe operation, intelligent navigation functions such as Share ETA and online services such as real-time traffic and live weather reports make every journey more rewarding and put a world of information at the driver’s fingertips (5).
Enthusiasts will be able to capture and share their driving experiences using the new ReRun app developed in collaboration with GoPro. All-new for Jaguar, ReRun combines real-time video from the driver’s GoPro camera and overlays key vehicle performance data including speed, throttle position, gear selection, braking force and g force. The video – including unique ‘highlights’ sections – can be downloaded to the driver’s smartphone and shared on social media (6).
The award-wining design of the F-TYPE is stronger and more focused for 2018, with clearer visual range differentiation thanks to four distinct model-specific front bumpers. Full LED headlights boost visual appeal further and help with visibility ahead of the vehicle.
“Great sports car design is about proportion and purity,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar. “The most challenging element of the process for designers is to focus on and maintain an exciting silhouette that promises performance. For the 2018 model year F-TYPE, we looked at how we could fine-tune key details to deliver even more clarity of purpose in the overall design – for the driver, the passenger and onlookers.”
The addition of lightweight slimline seats and new chrome and aluminum trim finishers heighten the driver-focused feel of the interior and perfectly complement the enhanced interior color options including a luxurious Siena Tan leather option now available across the standard model range.
To mark the introduction of the new F-TYPE range, Jaguar has developed an exclusive 400 SPORT special edition model, which will be offered only for the 2018 model year. Power from a high output 400hp version of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine is complemented by an uprated chassis that includes standard 380mm front and 376mm rear brakes, Configurable Dynamics and 20-inch wheels with a unique Satin Dark Grey finish.
Distinctive Yellow and Dark Satin Grey 400 SPORT badges on the rear of the car and on the front splitter hint at the extra power concealed beneath the clamshell hood and perfectly complement the choice of Indus Silver, Santorini Black and Yulong White metallic exterior paint. Interior design elements include 400 SPORT badging on the center console, steering wheel, treadplates and embroidered headrests. Yellow contrast stitching is featured throughout the cabin.
A new R-Dynamic trim level is new to the core range. This specification is available with the 380hp version of the supercharged V6, and is distinguished by standard 20-inch Dark Grey Diamond Turned alloy wheel designs and by Gloss Black front air intake bezels. The distinctive Gloss Black finish is also applied to the front splitter, hood vents, rear valance and side sills.
Joining the comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems available on the 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE is a semi-automated park-assist function designed to assist with parallel parking in even the tightest of spaces. When passing a potential space, the car’s ultrasonic parking sensors measure its length. If suitable, the system is designed to assist with steering functions, while the driver controls gear selection into reverse, throttle and brakes. The system will also help guide the vehicle out of the space when it’s time to leave.
ALL-NEW FOUR-CYLINDER INGENIUM POWERTRAIN
Jaguar is broadening the appeal of the 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE with the introduction of an all-new 2.0-liter 296hp turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium engine.
The powerful all-aluminium Ingenium gasoline engine is the perfect match for the all-aluminium F-TYPE, and expands the powertrain line-up from a 296hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, to the range topping 575hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8 – a breadth of performance unrivalled in the sports car segment.
Just like the supercharged six- and eight-cylinder engines, the turbocharged Ingenium four-cylinder delivers the driving experience promised by the award-winning design of the Jaguar F-TYPE with its own character.
The new model retains the performance expected from the F-TYPE; the new powertrain can accelerate the F-TYPE from 0-60mph in only 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155mph2. The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 295-lb.ft., generated from just 1,500rpm, together with the eight-speed Quickshift transmission, delivers exceptional response throughout the rev range.
“The 296hp Ingenium petrol engine is engineered to deliver a compelling blend of performance, refinement and efficiency. Cutting-edge technologies including electrohydraulic intake valve lift control, integrated exhaust manifold and a twin-scroll turbocharger with ceramic ball bearings make this the most advanced petrol engine we’ve ever produced,” said Ron Lee, Engineering Director of Powertrain, Jaguar Land Rover. “Not only is this the most powerful four-cylinder ever offered in a production Jaguar, it also develops the highest specific power and torque ratings of any engine in the F-TYPE range. It’s a natural fit for a Jaguar sports car.”
Neatly integrated into the cylinder head is an electrohydraulic valvetrain featuring patented control algorithms developed in-house. This technology enables fully variable control of intake valve lift for optimum combustion efficiency, power and torque throughout the engine’s operating range.
Most gasoline engines use a throttle valve for load control, but load control on the Ingenium gasoline engine is managed primarily by the intake valves themselves by varying the amount of lift, and the duration for which they are open. To achieve this, the intake cams no longer operate the valves directly; instead they actuate compact hydraulic pumps via low-friction roller finger followers. The oil pressure generated in these pumps is then used to open and close the intake valves.
Each pump is actuated by a solenoid valve, and highly sophisticated software is used to control the solenoids. When the solenoids are fully open, there’s no valve lift; when they’re closed, full lift is achieved. Varying the solenoid’s state delivers fully variable valve lift – anywhere between 0 and 11mm – for optimized intake air flow throughout the engine’s full operating range.
The 2.0-liter Ingenium gas engine’s electrohydraulic technology is fast enough to deliver cycle-by-cycle control of the combustion process, and, combined with phasers on the intake and exhaust cams delivers even greater flexibility.
Late intake valve opening is used during engine start-up: the combination of low valve lift and short duration provides precise control of the exact amount of air required, especially during cold starts.
At very low speeds and loads, the flexibility of the valvetrain enables the so-called composite mode – a combination of early intake valve closing and late intake valve opening – which delivers enhanced charge motion and therefore more complete and efficient combustion, helping to lower emissions.
At part-load conditions, such as low-speed driving in urban areas or when cruising on the highway, the valvetrain operates an early intake valve closing strategy combined with a later exhaust valve opening, which delivers optimum combustion efficiency due to the increased expansion ratio. Dual independent cam phasing allows optimal residual gas control with minimal frictional losses. The combination of turbocharging and the highly efficient water-to-air cooler means that intake air charge density remains high, maintaining torque output and ensuring that the engine can always respond immediately to the driver’s demands.
Under full load the system delivers full valve lift and longer duration, combined with an earlier exhaust valve opening to enable maximum air flow, allowing the engine to provide full performance.
Advanced Turbocharger Technology
In a first for Jaguar Land Rover, the exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head casting. Coolant flowing through ducts in the manifold reduces warm-up times and therefore reduces fuel consumption and improves emissions. The integrated exhaust manifold can also reduce maximum exhaust gas temperatures and therefore the need for enrichment at high load, delivering further efficiency improvements.
The manifold is carefully matched to a twin-scroll turbocharger. For maximum efficiency the duct inside the water-cooled turbine housing is divided in two, with one fed by exhaust gas from cylinders one and three, the other by cylinders two and four. This arrangement prevents exhaust gas pulsation interference, ensuring that the turbine wheel responds far more quickly. Boost pressure is delivered near-instantaneously, reducing turbo lag, providing the throttle responsiveness so familiar to the F-TYPE driving experience.
To ensure the best possible launch performance and transient response while still enabling the engine to develop its high peak power output, the turbocharger features ceramic ball bearings – another first for a Jaguar Land Rover gasoline engine. Ceramic ball bearings deliver the lowest possible bearing friction, especially from cold starts.
The Ingenium engine also features a new 200bar direct injection system with centrally-mounted injectors. Together with optimized spray patterns this configuration helps to minimize fuel impingement on the cylinder walls and the piston crown, improving combustion and fuel efficiency.
The inlet ports deliver high levels of charge motion which, together with the enhancements made to the direct injection system, further reduce wall wetting and promote greater mixing of the fuel and air for more efficient combustion.
All Ingenium engines deliver benchmark low levels of friction, contributing to inherently good performance and refinement. Design features which contribute to this are cylinder bores offset by 12mm to reduce tangential forces acting on the cylinder walls, and needle roller bearings for the twin balancer shafts and camshafts.
The map-controlled oil pump matches flow rate according to engine speed, load and temperature, and the switchable piston cooling jets only spray oil onto the underside of the piston crowns when required, further reducing load on the lubrication system.
The split cooling system with map-controlled electric coolant pump ensures rapid engine warm-up by only circulating coolant through the block once the engine comes up to temperature. As well as reducing fuel consumption this also improves passenger comfort because the heater can warm the cabin more quickly.