The new 2018 Jaguar F-Type debuts at 2017 NAIAS with world-first GoPro technology: since launch at the Paris International Motorshow in 2012, Jaguar’s all-aluminium two-seater has established itself picking up nearly 160 awards worldwide.
The unrivalled balance of seductive design, stunning performance and outstanding dynamics has always made the F-TYPE unique, in a range that has evolved to include Coupé bodystyles, manual transmissions and intelligent all-wheel drive.
The new F-TYPE range offers even more driver-focused technology and a broader model range than ever, comprising 28 derivatives from the purist appeal of the rear-wheel drive, 340PS F-TYPE to the 200mph, all-wheel drive F-TYPE SVR – Jaguar’s all-weather supercar.
True enthusiasts will be able to capture and share their driving experiences using the new ReRun app developed in collaboration with GoPro. In a world-first, ReRun combines real-time video from the driver’s GoPro with key vehicle performance data including speed, throttle position, gear selection,braking force and g force. The high quality video – including unique ‘highlights’ sections – can be downloaded to the driver’s smartphone and shared on social media.
The F-TYPE’s award-wining design is stronger and more focused, with clearer visual range differentiation thanks to model-specific front bumpers. Full LED headlights boost visual appeal still further and help improve driver safety and comfort.
“Great sports car design is about proportion and purity. The most challenging element of the process for designers is to focus on and maintain an exciting silhouette that promises performance. For the 2018 model year F-TYPE, we looked at how we could fine-tune key details to deliver even more clarity of purpose in the overall design – for the driver, the passenger and onlookers,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design.
To mark the introduction of the new F-TYPE range Jaguar has developed the exclusive 400 SPORT launch edition, which will go on sale worldwide but for one model year only. Power from the new400PS version of the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine is complemented by an uprated chassis comprising the Super Performance braking system, Configurable Dynamics and 20-inch wheels witha unique Dark Satin Grey finish.
Distinctive Yellow and Dark Satin Grey 400 SPORT badges on the rear of the car and on the front splitter hint at the extra power concealed beneath the clamshell bonnet and perfectly complement the choice of Indus Silver, Santorini Black and Yulong White metallic paint. Interior design elements include 400 SPORT branding in the centre console, steering wheel, treadplates and embroidered headrests. Yellow contrast stitching features throughout the cabin.
For the 2018 model year the front end look becomes clearer and more powerful, with LED headlights adding a technological edge. Inside, lightweight slimline seats deliver more style, more room and greater comfort. A harmonious selection of new interior finishes and materials give the F-TYPE a more exotic feel.
A key aim of the design process was to establish a stronger, purer statement for the F-TYPE’s front-end form, while also providing clearer visual differentiation between the different models. The addition of full LED headlights and slimline seats make the car’s aesthetics even more striking and significantly enhance the driving experience.
The F-TYPE’s grille shape and graphic are unchanged, remaining – as ever – key elements in the sports car’s design DNA. However, for the 2018 model year, designers paid particular attention to the bumpers, introducing bolder surfaces and simpler forms with discreet signature features subtly enhancing the front end form. In place of its predecessor’s double ‘shark gill’ apertures, the new F-TYPE features large, powerfulsingle apertures with a lozenge mesh design.
The new full LED headlights help to signal the greater clarity in the F-TYPE’s design language. Jaguar’s distinctive J-Blade daytime running lights are retained, and these now double as the direction indicators, with the lamp’s ‘eyelid’ indexing with the bonnet’s cutline to further accentuate the lights’ multi-layered graphics.
all images courtesy of Jaguar