Performance The headline news for the 2020 F-TYPE range is that Jaguar no longer offers a supercharged V6 3.0 engine. Instead, there’s now an additional V8 model. The entry model remains the four-cylinder 2.0-litre Ingenium engine, which delivers 300PS and maximum torque of 400Nm. This drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed transmission, and the 0-62mph benchmark takes 5.7 seconds. Next up, and replacing the former 3.0 V6, comes a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that can be chosen either with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. This model develops 450 metric horsepower and 580Nm, for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Performance flagship is the F-TYPE R, which is also powered by a supercharged 5.0 V8 but develops 575PS and 700Nm.The sprint from 0-62mph is brushed aside in 3.7 seconds, and this model is only available with all-wheel drive.
Design New design director Julian Thompson loved the look of the original F-TYPE, so he and his team have focused on detail, sharpening it up and adding an extra touch of aggression. The headlights are narrower and ‘angrier’, using the latest in Pixel LED technologies, and the grille is both wider and deeper. The new clamshell bonnet makes the front end look longer and lower, even though the actual dimensions are unchanged. The bonnets contours are also flowing and organic than before, for an effect that Jaguar describes as ‘liquid metal’. At the rear the slim LED taillights have been remodelled to a more angular shape. Overall, it’s not a seismic change, more a sharper look to a design that was already mean, lean and well proportioned.
Technology The F-TYPE’s updated cockpit now features a configurable 12.3-inch driver display, with graphics that are unique to this model. In default mode this displays a large central tachometer. A central 10” touchscreen controls the Connected Navigation Pro5 system, which has real time traffic updates and online music streaming as well as smartphone compatibility via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. Two Meridian sound systems are available, one with 380W and the other with a full 770W Surround Sound 10-speaker set up. Another feature, the Jaguar Remote app, allows you to track your journeys, check your fuel level and even find your way back to the car remotely with on-foot directions. Optional Pixel LED headlights use intelligent technology for the main beam to avoid dazzling other drivers and even adapt to the curvature of the road.
Safety As part of the 2020 upgrade, the new F-TYPE comes with Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition as standard. Front and rear parking sensors and rear camera take the stress out of low-speed manoeuvring in car parks or tight spaces. Optional systems include Park Assist, which will take over the steering when it selects a suitable space for parallel or perpendicular parking. Another option, Blind Spot Assist keeps an eye out for traffic that’s in your blind spot when on motorways.