Introducing the all-new 2020 Jaguar F-Type: Powerful, Agile and Aerodynamic
Jaguar have revealed the facelifted 2020 version of its F-Type, in an event supported by model car firm Hot Wheels.
The all-new F-Type has definitely got a ‘more assertive’ look, with the exterior bulking out a little.
Although the new Jaguar is no bigger nor wider than previously, the most noticeable exterior changes are to the windscreen, with the aim of giving the body a greater apparent length and giving the car an even wider, more planted stance.
Jaguar design director Julian Thomson, who was heavily involved in the 2011 concept that introduced the first production F-Type, said the original abition was to “design the most beautiful sports car, with purity, proportion and presence that’s unmistakably Jaguar”.
He described the latest model as “more dramatic than ever, with even greater clarity of purpose”.
Jaguar has overhauled the F-Type sports car with new styling and technology to take on the latest sports cars in its competition.
Other aims of the new F-Type are to improve key elements, like the infotainment system and to lift the material quality to the standard of more recently launched models, such as the multi-award winning I-Pace.
One major surprise is the disappearance of the F-Type V6. From 2020, the Jaguar F-Type will come with a choice of either two 5.0-litre supercharged V8 power or the continuing entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The fastest F-Type model from the range can cover 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 186 mph!
The lower-powered V8 can reach 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds and hit 177mph, while the 2.0-litre’s 0-60mph time is a very respectable 5.4 seconds and its top speed is 155mph!
All F-Types have active exhausts and to keep the neighbours happy, and the V8s have a special ‘quiet mode’ to help prevent disturbances when owners leave home early or arrive late.
The new F-Type has been modernised, with neat and contemporary refined touches - there are various subtle changes to badges and textures on trim parts.
Inside, the F-Type catches up with other Jaguar models, notably with materials of more obvious quality, and adds some unique details.
The driver display has been upgraded and expanded, to 12.3 inches precisely, with unique F-Type graphics that can be configured to the driver’s liking.
JLR’s infamous state-of-the-art 10 inch Touch Pro infotainment system takes centre stage in the new F-Type – putting the driver in full control of all the features available.
Additional refinements - like Apple CarPlay compatibility - have also been added, but the 2020 model retains the three rotary heating and ventilation controllers that Jaguar regards as essential to a good driving machine.
The all-new 2020 F-Type also incorporates new, subtle details the designers believe owners will enjoy: there is now ‘Jaguar est 1935’ lettering on the seatbelt guides, which is also on the glovebox release surround, to mark the year in which the company’s founder, Sir William Lyons, first used the Jaguar name on his cars.
The F-Type embodies a showstopping sports car, combining Jaguar’s heritage with the most modern, innovative advances in automotive technology.
Previously, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has attempted a number of stunts and world records at launch events. The Jaguar F-Pace SUV set a world record for the widest loop in a car and the Jaguar E-Pace set a world record for the longest barrell roll by a production car.
The Land Rover Discovery was launched by driving onto the world's largest Lego structure: a recreation of London's Tower Bridge.
Take a look at the reveal video, launched last night, in collaboration with Hot Wheels:
The teaser video features a Hot Wheels track loop, suggesting the new F-Type could undertake a similar stunt in reality.
For the all-new Jaguar, prices are set to start at £54,060 for the entry F-Type (or £5500 more for the convertible) and rise to £97,280 for the quickest coup� (£102,370 for the convertible).
In the middle of the mix, the rear-drive 444bhp V8 coup� is £69,990 and the four-wheel-drive version just under £5000 more.
Deliveries for the new models should begin in the first quarter of 2020.
As part of the launch, Alan Volkaerts, vehicle line director for the Jaguar F-Type, took part in a Q&A:
Q: Why have you dropped the V6 F-Type?
A: “The decision not to offer the V6 in the UK and Europe follows a sales review showing demand is by far the heaviest for the four-cylinder engine. Also, we believe the introduction of a new 444bhp V8 in both AWD and RWD forms still offers customers a strong range.”
Q: Why didn’t you use the new Ingenium straight six?
A: “It’s a simple question of packaging. With demand for the four-cylinder so strong, we simply couldn’t justify the significant investment needed.”
Q: How are F-Type sales doing?
A: “Last year, we sold around 7900 cars, mostly in the UK, US and Germany. Our record of 12,000 sales was set in 2015. The most popular F-Type derivative is the four-cylinder R-Dynamic, which is why we’re offering a First Edition based on this model as well as on the new 444bhp V8.”
Q: Has the F-Type production process at the Castle Bromwich factory changed much in six years?
A: “The core processes at Castle Bromwich are largely unchanged but we’ve recently updated our rolling road, calibration and paint validation facilities, with special emphasis on quality. We’re very pleased with the results.”
Q: Will Jaguar continue making sports cars?
A: “At heart, we’re a sports car company. The market has diversified over the years and we’ve had to do the same, but I think we’re stronger for it. For me, Jaguar just wouldn’t be Jaguar without a sports car in the line-up.”
It looks like Jaguar fans will continue to receive the best in standard for sports performance, advanced on-board technology and luxury interior – there’s no compromise, year after year.