Jaguar F Type

XJ41/XJ42 concept (1986)

The F-Type name was first used on a pair of completely unrelated concepts as far back as 1982, when Jaguar realised that the XJ-S had grown too large in size and weight to be classed as a proper successor to the E-Type. The XJ41 (Coupe) and XJ42 (Drophead) concepts got to an advanced state of development by 1988, however the project was cancelled when Ford took over Jaguar in 1989, and the newly installed management determined that upgrading the company's dated production facilities was a higher priority. The XJ-S was given a major facelift (being renamed the XJS) instead as a stop gap solution. The XJ41/XJ42 studies ultimately evolved into the Aston Martin DB7 and the Jaguar XK8 which were launched in 1994 and 1996, respectively - the latter being more of a direct replacement for the XJS than a true E-Type successor.

C-X16 concept (2011)

The C-X16 form takes cues from Jaguar's 2010 C-X75 plug-in hybrid concept supercar, including the shape of the front grille and the wrap-around rear lights, and also has a side-hinged opening rear window reminiscent of the 1961 E-Type fastback coupé.

The C-X16, was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Jaguar stated that the C-X16 was their smallest car since the 1954 Jaguar XK120, at: 4,445 mm (175.0 inches) length; 2,048 mm (80.6 inches) width; 1,297 mm (51.1 inches) height.

The F-Type was developed under the project code "X152".

F-Type Convertible (2013–present)

The convertible version of F-Type was first revealed in Sundance, London which was followed by a presentation at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed (with an F-Type chassis).

F-Type Coupé (2014–present)

The coupé version was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show (F-Type R Coupé) and 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, followed by 2013 Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual Awards, an exclusive event in Canary Wharf, London.

The vehicle was set to go on sale in spring 2014. Launch models scheduled include the F-Type (340 PS), F-Type S (380 PS) and F-Type R (550 PS).

F-Type SVR (2016–present)

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016, Jaguar unveiled the F-Type SVR. It features the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 from the V8 S and R, but with 575 PS (423 kW; 567 bhp) and 680 N·m (500 lb·ft), launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds and to a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph), making it the first Jaguar since the XJ220 to reach 200 mph (322 km/h) The convertible can only reach 194mph. It is available in both Coupe and Convertible versions, but only with all-wheel-drive.

Chassis

The F-Type uses an all-aluminium chassis, sound and vibration insulation is provided by the addition of a special underbody tray and engine mounts, and a double bulkhead between the engine bay and passenger compartment. The convertible roof is an electrically operated retractable fabric hood. Jaguar says by eschewing metal it can keep the car's centre of gravity low, while a Thinsulate layer means thermal and sound insulation is akin to a solid roof.

Powertrain

The entry-level model uses Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, produces 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp), 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, and a top speed of 161 mph (259 km/h). Next is the F-TYPE S, with the same engine tuned for 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp), a top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h), and 0 to 60  mph in 4.8 seconds. Next in the range is the V8 R, with Jaguar’s 5.0-litre, 558 PS (410 kW; 550 hp) supercharged petrol engine, a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h), and 0 to 60  mph in 4.0 seconds. Topping the range is the SVR, with the same engine tuned for 575 PS (423 kW; 567 hp) a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h), and 0 to 60  mph in 3.5 seconds. The layout is front-engined , rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive for AWD models. The gearbox is an eight-speed automatic with paddle-shifters offering manual override. In 2015, the F Type now introduced the ZF six-speed manual. This transmission is only available for the V6 models. There is a mechanical limited-slip differential on the V6 S and an electronic limited-slip differential on the V8.

Suspension

The F-Type has double-wishbone front and rear suspension with adaptive dampers and adjustable suspension settings to allow the driver to adjust ride and handling. The F-TYPE has a total of 25 different driving modes programmed to suit different road conditions and driving styles.

Interior

The F-Type interior has a two-seater setup with the leather interior and control buttons finished in aluminium. There is a touchscreen display in the centre console and another TFT display between the dials in the instrument panel. There is also a choice of flat-bottom or alcantara finish for the three-spoke steering wheel and buttons finished in soft-feel matt black.

Equipment

Jaguar has introduced a stop-start engine shutoff function, which Jaguar claims boosts economy by 5 percent.

The F-Type has bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, along with full LED lighting at the rear. The S and V8 S versions get an “active exhaust system” which opens special valves over 3,000 rpm to intensify the sound profile.

There is a retractable rear wing spoiler and door handles that are left hidden with the bodywork until needed. The fabric hood raises or lowers in 12 seconds, and can be used when the car is moving at up to 48 km/h (30 mph).

The audio systems offered, use Meridian technology with either 380 W spread across ten speakers or 770 W across twelve speakers.

Production

Jaguar UK ambassador José Mourinho became the first customer to take delivery of the new F-Type Coupé in March 2014.

Marketing and reception

In August 2012, it was announced that American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey would be the face of the F-Type, which premiered at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012. The car won Car of The Year at the 2013 Middle East Motor Awards.

In April 2013 a short film called Desire was launched at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival to promote the Jaguar F-TYPE. Directed by Adam Smith from Ridley Scott Associates, starring Damian Lewis, Jordi Molla and Shannyn Sossamon. New Musical Express called the film "typically sumptuous promo features heavy product placement".

As part of convertible launch celebration in the UK, Jaguar launched its #YourTurnBritain campaign; inviting people to share photos that encapsulate the best of modern Britain through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr. The best images submitted would win one of four unforgettable F-TYPE driving experiences. A fleet of Union Jack liveried F-TYPEs embarked on a 'Best of British' promotional tour as part of the car's launch activity and Jaguar's #YourTurnBritain social media campaign, with the help of ambassadors Jamie Campbell Bower, Alice Temperley, MistaJam, Graeme Swann and Jimmy Anderson. The tour started in London in August 2013 and visited Leeds and Newcastle (12th), Edinburgh and Glasgow (13th), Manchester and Liverpool (14th), Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham (15th) Cardiff, Bristol and Oxford (16th). Londoners would also be able to see the cars from 12–23 August as they took residence at Canary Wharf.

David Gandy was featured in a Jaguar F-TYPE convertible film titled 'Escapism'. In the film, Gandy gives us insight into his life as he invites us on a road trip that starts at dusk as he escapes 'the craziness of London'. David Gandy: Escapism features the style icon driving his favourite British heritage cars from the C-Type, E-Type and XKSS, through to the very latest F-TYPE. The film was previewed at 2013 Goodwood Revival.

As part of F-TYPE coupé launch in the US, a 60-second TV commercial titled 'Rendezvous' was premiered the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVIII. In addition, a dozen New York City Subway trains were wrapped with ads advertising the F-TYPE in preparation for the Super Bowl XLVIII. On February 2, 2014, Jaguar unveiled the new coupe through a Super Bowl advertisement. The "British Villains" campaign (created by SPARK44, managed by Mindshare) captures the premise that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence with charm, restlessness with calm, and are always confident. Jaguar emphasised the idea that British were considered "bad" by Americans because of Hollywood movies always portraying villains to be British. Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston, and Mark Strong all support the villainous way of life as being good. Using these "villains" as the face of Jaguar helped support the edgy side of the luxury brand. This Super Bowl advertisement also challenged other luxury automotive markets in the US stating that Jaguar is just as edgy or maybe more than the other luxury automotive brands. The 'Rendezvous' commercial launched the campaign, which introduces the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe and features the campaign's unique hashtag, #GoodToBeBad. Following the 'Rendezvous' commercial premiere at Super Bowl XLVIII, 'The Set-Up' commercial was premiered on 2014-01-11-12, and the YouTube premiere of 'Rendezvous' on 2014-01-28. "Rendezvous" was filmed by Hooper in London in a creative partnership with his Smuggler Films production house. The spot's original score for "Rendezvous" was composed and conducted by Alexandre Desplat, who worked with Tom Hooper on The Kings Speech and recorded by The London Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road studios. Jaguar also hosted the campaign page, www.BritishVillains.com, with information about the F-TYPE Coupe, the commercial and some unique video content including teasers starring each of the three actors. In addition to broadcast, the multi-channel campaign's Super Bowl efforts included unique outdoor creative throughout New York City, print, digital and consumer activations hosted with a wide array of media partners, and special events in the week leading up to the Super Bowl. The British Villains campaign continues with regularly updated content through July 2014.

As part of Jaguar F-Type Coupé launch in China, David Beckham joined Jaguar as a brand ambassador. The print creative material used in this campaign was produced by fashion photographer and filmmaker Peter Lindbergh.

Project 7

The Project 7 is based on the F-Type Convertible, powered by a 5.0 V8 Supercharged engine, developing 575 PS (423 kW). This engine was also used on the F-Type SVR. Only up to 250 will be made and is Jaguar's most powerful production car ever, alongside with the SVR version. The body is 100% aluminium, reminiscing historical D-Type LeMans winner. Visually, it sports an 'Aero Haunch' behind the driver, similar to 1950s D-Type, a quad exhaust and additional rear spoiler. It has a claimed acceleration of 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds and top speed: 186 miles per hour (299 km/h). Singer and car enthusiast Brian Johnson drove the prototype car on the first programme of the second series of Cars That Rock, and announced at the end of the programme that he had bought one of the 250 production cars.

The Project 7 is a skunkworks design made by Italian-Brazilian designer César Pieri. It was discovered by chance when Pieri accidentally showed it to Jaguar chief-designer Ian Callum. The concept then became a functional prototype and eventually reached production.