New 2018 Jaguar F-Type gains 221kW turbo 4-cyl entry-level variant

The new 2018 Jaguar F-Type is gaining an entry-level model featuring the brand’s turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine to broaden its appeal.

Jaguar says the advanced 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharge powerplant will continue to deliver Jaguar’s sports car DNA with enhanced agility and improved efficiency and affordability.

The engine is paired with an eight-speed Quickshift transmission and is capable of sending the all-aluminium sports car from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, on route to a top speed of 249km/h.

According to the British carmaker, not only is the 221kW Ingenium engine the most powerful four-cylinder unit ever offered in a production Jaguar, it also generates the highest specific power output of any engine in the F-Type range: 110kW per litre. It is also claimed to be the most efficient F-Type in the range, with a combined rated fuel economy of 7.2L/100km – a 16 per cent improvement over the 250kW V6.

The Ingenium engine contributes to an overall weight reduction of 52kg – most of which is over the front axle – a key to the four-cylinder F-Type’s enhanced agility.

Jaguar says it has meticulously-tuned the standard active exhaust to ensure the four-cylinder does not lose out on aural feedback. Further, R-Dynamic variants feature a switchable active exhaust for an even more involving driving experience.

Along with the new entry-level variant, the MY2018 Jaguar F-Type features redesigned bumpers, together with full LED headlights.

At the rear the four-cylinder model features a unique single tailpipe finisher to distinguish it from the twin central exhausts and quad outboard exhausts of the V6 and V8 models. Lightweight 18-inch wheels also identify the latest addition to the line-up.

Inside, changes to the F-Type’s interior includes lightweight slimline seats, Touch Pro infotainment system, frameless rearview mirror and new chrome and aluminium trim finishers.

On the safety front, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor are now standard.

The new four-cylinder F-Type will go on sale in Australia from Q4 2017 priced from $107,300 plus on-road costs.

The new F-TYPE range consists of:

F-TYPE Coupé and Convertible:
221kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder; Quickshift RWD
250kW 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift RWD/ manual RWD
280kW 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift; RWD/ AWD, manual RWD

F-TYPE R-Dynamic Coupé and Convertible:
221kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder; Quickshift RWD
250kW 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift RWD/ manual RWD
280kW 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift; RWD/ AWD, manual RWD

F-TYPE 400 SPORT Coupé and Convertible:
294kW 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift RWD/ AWD

F-TYPE R Coupé and Convertible:
404kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift AWD

F-TYPE SVR Coupé and Convertible:
423kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift AWD