Jaguar Unveils Facelifted F-Type

Jaguar has given its F-Type sports car a little nip and tuck for 2017 with a fresh new look, state-of-the-art infotainment system and world-first ReRun app that combines vehicle data with GoPro video to enhance the driving experience.

The facelifted F-Type receives minor tweaks on the exterior where the old car’s rounded grille has been carried over to the new model but the air intakes to either side have been remodelled to feature new horizontal bars and a cleaner, simpler design. On top of that, the headlights feature full LED technology helping to give the facelifted F-Type a more modern appearance, not to mention enhanced visibility at night.

Moving to the interior, one of the most significant upgrades are the new lightweight slimline seats to enhance driving comfort. On top of that, all models now feature a Siena Tan leather interior, satin chrome finish on the engine-start button and gearshift paddles. A chrome finish is also applied to the door switch packs, air vent bezels and steering wheel as well.

The centre console gains 3 new finishers to further differentiate the models in the range: the F-Type now sports a simple, knurled aluminium finish, in R-Dynamic models the new Delta aluminium finisher adds a sportive feel, while R models are differentiated by a Linear Vee aluminium finish with the iconic “R” etched prominently into the surface. A carbon fibre console finisher is now available as an option across the range.

Every F-Type now features the Touch Pro infotainment system as a standard feature. Its super-fast responses, intuitive tablet-style operation, intelligent navigation functions such as to share ETA and online services such as real-time traffic and live weather reports make every journey more rewarding and put a world of information at the driver’s fingertips.

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.

Joining the F-Type’s comprehensive suite of driver-focused assistance systems available in the facelifted F-Type is a semi-automated park-assist function designed to make parallel parking in even the tightest of spaces quicker and easier. When passing a potential space, the car’s ultrasonic parking sensors measure its length. If suitable, the system takes care of the steering: all the driver has to do is press a button, engage reverse and control the throttle and brakes. The system will also guide the vehicle out of the space when it’s time to leave.

Powertrain choices remains pretty much the same, but Jaguar has added a new, limited-edition model called the F-Type 400 Sport featuring an uprated version of the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with maximum power increased from 380PS to 400PS. Power is sent to either rear- and all-wheel drive via an 8-speed Quickshift transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential.

The extra power is complemented by an uprated chassis comprising Super Performance braking system featuring 380mm front and 376mm rear discs and black calipers with 400 Sport logo, 20-inch wheels with unique Dark Grey Satin finish and the Configurable Dynamics system which allows drivers to select individual settings for the throttle, transmission, steering and dampers.

Distinctive Yellow and Dark Satin Grey 400 Sport badges on the front and rear hint at the 400PS beneath the clamshell bonnet and perfectly complement the choice of Indus Silver, Santorini Black or Yulong White paint. The car’s proportions are enhanced with the Sport Design Pack comprising a more prominent front splitter, extended side sills and rear diffuser finished in sleek Dark Satin Grey.

The cabin benefits from the same attention to detail. Yellow contrast stitching is used throughout the leather interior, and the 400 Sport logo is embroidered into the headrests of the Performance seats with 12-way adjustment. Additional 400 Sport branding is applied to the flat-bottomed steering wheel, black brushed aluminium centre console finisher and the sill treadplates. Anodised aluminium gearshift paddles are another highlight of the cockpit.

The F-Type 400 Sport launch edition will be offered to customers worldwide but it’s only available for the 2018 model year.