Tuesday 10th January 2017

New Jaguar F-Type Sport 400

Updated F-Type range gets visual tweaks, updated infotainment and limited run Sport 400 model

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Given we're running a Jaguar F-Type S Coupe on the PH Fleet at the moment news of a range of updates for the 2018 model year (in this Detroit week we'll grant them the American terminology) is of particular interest.

Now comprising a total of 22 different models there's no lack of choice in the F-Type range, prices starting at £51,450 for the rear-wheel drive 340hp 3.0-litre V6 and stretching to £110,000 for the 575hp all-wheel drive SVR. You can have a Coupe or Convertible and - on certain models - the choice of manual or auto and option for rear- or all-wheel drive. And at the centre of it all a new 400hp Sport 400 model, which will be built for just one year and adds a welcome boost over the 380hp V6 of 'our' long-termer.

Visual changes include the usual stuff of new colours, trims and wheels with all models dropping the shark-like vertical strake in the front bumper intakes and adopting an SVR-style single one. V8s get a horizontal line across them to mark them out from V6s, there are new headlights and a new R-Dynamic model adds black trim (AKA 'PH spec'?) and a few other bits and bobs to mark it out.

Confused? Let's try and make sense of it. Standard V6 models are available in 340hp and 380hp with the choice of manual or eight-speed automatic and in rear-wheel drive form as standard. The 380hp version adds a mechanical limited-slip diff and the option of AWD but only with the automatic. R-Dynamic spec is available on both V6s. The Sport 400 gets the upgraded power, a plethora of trim additions, the bigger Super Performance brake option, Configurable Dynamics for the steering and adaptive dampers and dark grey 20-inch wheels. Pricing starts at £70,115.

The 550hp V8 R is now AWD and automatic only (oversteer addicts wanting a rear-driven V8 get your orders in fast for the current car) and starts at £89,980 and the SVR carries on as-was.

If you've been reading our updates on the current S version you'll be aware we've been moaning about the somewhat outdated infotainment interface; the good news is this has been upgraded to the latest Touch Pro system with new graphics, more functions and greater connectivity. This is standard across the range, with options to add additional features as you go. One includes a new GoPro function called ReRun, an app-based feature that overlays graphics and data onto your heroic footage and helps prove to your track day buddies that, yes, you really were flat through Flugplatz.

Other changes include a new magnesium framed slimline seat that both saves weight and adds a further 50mm of travel to accommodate powerfully built types. It's available in Sport and Performance versions, the latter standard on Sport 400 and SVR.

Updated LED Adaptive Front Lighting also features and has four modes through which it can cycle, including wider beamed City to pick up pedestrians and cyclists, Bad Weather, Country and Motorway. Interestingly it switches automatically to the latter with its longer, narrower beam above 56mph which could present challenges for those seeking to make late night progress along sweeping A-roads...

Promising stuff on the whole and, like the GTS version of the 911 announced yesterday, the 400 Sport sounds like a particularly appealing 'best of' compilation of the V6 F-Type's most appealing bits, though it's a shame we've been denied the manual option. Either way, we look forward to trying it out as soon as possible!

[HeMightBeBanned]

Don't like the new front end. They tweaks are slowly turning an attractive car into a far less attractive one.

[HeMightBeBanned]

Preselectorquadrant said:

I own a 2016 V6S and TBH I don't care what it weighs. It drives, corners, accelerates and brakes like a dream. I think quite a lot of the blabberings about it being "lardy" or overweight come from people who have never driven one. Like the saying "age is just a number", similar could be said about F-types.

Weight is always the enemy of agility. Imagine how much better it would be if it were 300kgs lighter. Porsche seem to manage 1400kg cars. Why can't Jaguar? What is Jaguar Ali made from? Neutron stars?