F-Type manual - confirmed!

ZF six-speed 'box introduced with Jaguar's extensive MY16 facelift, only availble with V6 and RWD

There is more than just the introduction of a manual gearbox in the latest raft of Jaguar F-Type updates. There is also all-wheel drive, electric steering and new infotainment as well. But this is PH, so where else are we going to start?

Now this, this is a good view

The ZF-developed six-speed manual will be offered only with the two V6 engine options (either 340hp or 380hp) and exclusively as a rear-wheel drive model. There is much to be encouraged by in Jaguar's press material, describing the manual as 'a sports car for purists' and as a model 'designed to give enthusiasts the most rewarding driving experience possible'.

To that end there is no auto-blip downshift function, instead a focus on how perfectly placed the pedals are for heel and toe downchanges. In a Jaguar! The shift throw is said to be just 45mm and 'extensive development and testing' has gone into setting the gearknob in the ideal place for all driving. The armrest has even been moved so as not to inhibit your gearshifting.

To the numbers. The manual will be £1,800 less than the equivalent auto, placing the V6 manual coupe at £51,250. For the S that figure rises to £60,250 with a £5,485 premium for the cabrio. The tech data also reveals the manual is 10kg lighter than the auto but slower to 62mph (5.7 now for the V6 and 5.5 for the V6 S compared to 5.3 and 4.9 before). Economy also suffers, with the V6 manual rated at 28.8mpg (33.6 with the auto) and the S falling to the same figure from 32.9mpg. It says something of how well suited modern autos are to emissions tests that the manual F-Types officially emit more than 30g/km extra. The V6 goes from 199g/km to 234, the S from 203g/km to 234g/km as well. But it'll be worth it, right?

Cheerio V8 S convertible, hello V8 R!

It hopefully says something of the manual's talents that development boss Russ Varney said he only got out of that car when offered a V8 R all-wheel drive. Fingers crossed. All convertible and coupe models bar the base V6 will be available with all-wheel drive, which carries an additional 80kg over the RWD equivalent as well as a £4,850 price premium.

The all-wheel drive F-Types use similar technology to that already seen in the XF and XJ in other markets. As an on-demand system, the car remains rear-drive until slip is detected. Jaguar states the aim is to 'maintain the inherent agility and precision of the F-Type... while delivering the limit traction and handling benefits that torque on demand offers'.

The distribution of torque is controlled by Jaguar's Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), a new system designed in house. It will also manage the influence of the active differential in the V8 models, the DSC and torque vectoring by braking. That latter technology, introduced on the F-Type R coupe, will now be an option on all models. For the all-wheel drive cars, Jaguar fits 10 per cent stiffer springs and recalibrated dampers. The front control arm bushes are stiffer also.

Obviously this is AWD. There's no smoke

The easiest ways to spot an F-Type AWD? Look for the badges as well as a different bonnet a deeper power bulge and new vents. 'Volution' 19-inch wheels are unique to the V6S AWD, represented here by the dark purple car.

The white convertible is yet another notable new F-Type. It's the V8 R, replacing the V8 S and with the same 550hp as the coupe. It costs £92,285 or £97,135 with all-wheel drive. The bodykit you see here though is the optional Sport Design Pack. Phew. Perhaps of more interest on the extras list will be the carbon roof now offered on the coupe.

F-Type aficionados will have spotted lower CO2 figures listed above, directly attributable to the introduction of electric power steering. It saves 4g/km plus, says Jaguar, 'sets the benchmark for feel and response'. The technology is now considered 'sufficiently mature' for Jaguar to replace hydraulic steering with EPAS. Worryingly there are phrases such as 'tuning potential ' and 'control algorithms' around the new steering system but Jaguar is confident that it can deliver. Research work began on electric steering in 2008 so you would hope Jaguar can get it right and replace a well-regarded hydraulic system. However it does still seem a little sad that we'll never know what a manual F-Type with hydraulic steering will be like.

Jag says AWD adds 80kg to kerbweight

One last thing for this very comprehensive refresh of Jaguar's sports car. The infotainment has been revised to include Jaguar's new 'InControl Touch' system with updated screen graphics and faster nav. Leaving aside the manual hooligan excitement for a second, a more modern interior interface is something the F-Type could always have used and therefore InControl is really significant. There are a range of Apple and Android compatible apps, improved touchscreen response and text-to-voice functionality. Furthermore, an InControl smartphone app will allow you to check things like the car's fuel level and even remote start it from your phone. Y'know, just in case your mates aren't interested in manual gearboxes.

The 2016 model year F-Types will go on sale in the spring with prices to be confirmed soon. We will aim to drive one just as soon as is humanly possible!

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