2016 Jaguar F-Type AWD plus stick shift
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 3:18 pm
AutoWeek
I seriously lust after these things. I just have a REALLY hard time justifying the cost in my head. Oh man is it beautiful though.Jaguar is rolling out a range of revisions for the 2016 F-Type; it goes on sale in late April. The lineup balloons from six to 14 derivatives -- there’s new electric power steering, a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and optional eye candy that now includes a carbon fiber roof, styling pack and revised alloy wheel designs.
The V8 R coupe also relinquishes its exclusive hold on torque-vectoring by braking -- it can subtly brake the inside wheels in corners, killing understeer -- which becomes standard on all models, save for the entry-level V6, where it’s an extra-cost option.
But the big news is the introduction of all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Both V8 R AWD and V6 S AWD models are available, while the manual gearbox is restricted to rear-drive V6 and V6 S models; the manual can’t handle the V8’s torque-bomb.
The all-wheel-drive system is a development of Jaguar’s existing hardware already seen in the XF and XJ, with the balance tilted toward dynamics where the sedans favor traction. One hundred percent of torque flows to the F-type’s rear axle in normal conditions, but goes forward via an electronically controlled center coupling when extra traction is required.
The system uses Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) to measure yaw rate, steering angle, speed, and lateral and longitudinal acceleration. The promise is that once IDD computes the best response, it ensures the all-wheel-drive system, rear differential and stability-control system all integrate harmoniously. Anyone who’s ever driven a V8 F-Type in the wet knows that extra driveshafts are far more necessary here than they are in a Porsche 911, so it’s a logical addition to the range.
Packaging the all-wheel-drive hardware means the hood’s power dome is now a little more pronounced, but it’s crisply executed and adds a more purposeful look. But beware unwanted inflations elsewhere, including the price –- up $6,000 to $87,800 on the V6 S, while the R AWD bumps beyond $100K to $106,600 –- and weight rises a relatively small 176 pounds, but still pushes the all-aluminum R to 3,814 pounds.
How does that square up to the 911? Carrera 4 and 4S models are significantly lighter at around 3,200 pounds with the PDK auto, compared with 3,691 pounds for the V6 S and 3,814 for the V8 R. But Jaguar hits back in the bang-for-buck stakes: the V6 S makes 30 hp more than the 350-hp Carrera 4, but retails for $7,310 less; the V8 R has a huge 150 hp on the 400-hp 4S, but costs $3,100 less.