Jaguar F-Type Coupe unveiled with range-topping R model

Tue, 19 Nov 2013

This is the Jaguar F-Type Coupe, the long-awaited hardtop counterpart to the F-Type roadster we tested earlier this year. Besides adding a roof, it shuffles up the engine range that we saw on the Convertible model, and in two of three cases, it cuts the cost of entry rather quite nicely (a happy contradiction to earlier reports).

The big change is that the F-Type Coupe does away with the Convertible's V8S trim (although the 495-horsepower variant will still be available in the droptop), and adds an even more potent letter to the top of the range. The $99,000 F-Type R Coupe is the latest member of Jaguar's R Performance line, and despite being down a letter on the XFR-S and XKR-S, it features the same 5.0-liter, 550-hp supercharged V8. With all that power on tap, the F-Type R will sprint to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds (if it doesn't break into the 3s in independent testing, we'll be shocked) and on to a top speed of 186 miles per hour. If you need to get to freeway speeds quickly, the F-Type R will also go from 50 to 75 mph in just 2.4 seconds.

As the top tier model, the F-Type R is loaded down with performance-oriented tech. The suspension features adaptive dynamics that manage the car's body movements and adjust accordingly, while the suspension itself is 4.3-percent stiffer in front and 3.7-percent tighter in the back than the F-Type V8S Convertible. Drivers can dial up an even stiffer suspension setting in Dynamic Mode, which will also tweak the steering, the shift schedule of the eight-speed SportShift automatic and the throttle response of that brawny engine.

The F-Type R will sprint to 60 in just 4.0 seconds.

A new electronic active differential and a torque vectoring system – something we've been asking for – further aid the F-Type R's handling abilities, with the former controlling the amount of torque sent to each wheel while the latter is able to independently brake the inner wheels and reduce understeer. The F-Type R's brakes, meanwhile are the largest available in the F-Type range, at 15-inches in front and 14.8-inches in back. For even more stopping power, carbon-ceramic units will be available in the not-too-distant future.

Both V6-powered F-Type Coupes are priced $4,000 less than their roadster counterparts. Starting at $65,000, we have the 340-hp, supercharged, 3.0-liter V6-powered base model, which will happily hit 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds on the way to a 161-mph top speed. That same blown 3.0-liter is available tuned for an extra 40 hp in exchange for $77,000, enabling the F-Type S Coupe to reach 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and continue running to 171 mph. Both cars feature a Dynamic Mode, while the S Coupe adds on an active exhaust, launch control, adaptive suspension and larger 15-inch front and 12.8-inch rear brakes (as opposed to 13.9-inch fronts and 12.8-inch rears).

There's much more on the F-Type down in Jaguar's press release. We've also got a healthy gallery of the new model up top and will be bringing live images of the new car to you from the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, so stay tuned.

JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE UNVEILED

U.S. Models and 2015 MSRP1
F-TYPE Coupe $65,000
F-TYPE S Coupe $77,000
F-TYPE R Coupe $99,000

At-A-Glance
Originally penned as the C-X16 concept car by Ian Callum, the F-TYPE Coupe brings that concept car design to reality
The new F-TYPE Coupe model line-up is headlined by the F-TYPE R Coupe, with a 550hp 5-liter supercharged V8 engine, enabling acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph (limited)2
The F-TYPE Coupe is built on a rigid bonded and riveted all-aluminum platform
Second-generation Electronic Active Differential3 and All-new Torque Vectoring system3 to deliver enhanced agility and handling at the limit
V6-powered models complete the range, powered by 380hp and 340hp 3-liter supercharged V6 engines, giving 0-60 mph2 in 4.8/5.1 seconds and top speeds of 171 and 161 mph respectively
An optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system – featuring 398/380mm (15.7/15 inch) discs front/rear will be available
ZF Eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission with full manual sequential control via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central SportShift lever
The F-TYPE Coupe has ample trunk space – easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs – with an available power assisted tailgate
The F-TYPE Coupe complements the "2013 World Car Design of the Year" winner, the F-TYPE Convertible
The F-TYPE Coupe range adds to the existing three-car F-TYPE Convertible model line-up; the V6-engined F-TYPE (340hp) and F-TYPE S (380hp), and the F-TYPE V8 S (495hp), which launched last year
V6-powered Coupe models are priced $4,000 below their Convertible counterparts

(MAHWAH, N.J.) November 19, 2013 - The new all-aluminum F-TYPE Coupe will be available in three versions. The F-TYPE R Coupe is powered by a 550hp 5-liter supercharged V8 engine and will reach 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited)2. The F-TYPE S Coupe and F-TYPE Coupe are powered by 3-liter supercharged V6 engines in 380hp and 340hp forms respectively, giving 0-60 mph in 4.8/5.1 seconds and top speeds of 171/161 mph2.

F-TYPE COUPE: DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

Visual appeal is fundamental to Jaguar and the F-TYPE Coupe builds on the design of the stunning C-X16 concept sports Coupe and the F-TYPE Convertible which won the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award.

"Creating a sports Coupe is the purest of design tasks, and also the most challenging; get it right and aesthetically the result will be as dynamic as the car should be rewarding to drive. In F-TYPE Coupe, I believe we've got it right. The purity of the C-X16 concept has been retained without compromise; the long bonnet, low roofline and tapering cabin of the F-TYPE Coupe inspires me every time I see it."
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The F-TYPE Coupe visual message is defined by three key 'heart lines', that visual message beginning with the formidable grille. It is from the twin 'shark gill' openings that sit either side of the grille that the essential first heart line – which mirrors the design of the F-TYPE Convertible – flows and begins to take shape. Running up through the headlamp, and accentuated by the LED 'J blade' signature running lamps, the line then arcs up over the front wheel arch before dropping elegantly as it runs through the door, washing out into the muscular rear haunch.

The second heart line begins at the rear edge of the door, swelling outwards and upwards to create a visually strong wheel arch, emphasizing the car's rear-wheel drive layout, before dropping vertically through the tail lamp.

The third heart line forms the dramatic, cabin-rearward, sweeping roof profile of the Coupe. Providing an unbroken silhouette, it highlights the visual drama of the tapered cabin nestled between the powerful rear haunches. The distinctive side window design, finished as standard in bright aluminum, accentuates both the compactness of the car and the roof profile.

The expertise at Jaguar in aluminum vehicle architecture has been essential in enabling both the uncompromised design aesthetic, while delivering the fundamental dynamic attributes – essential to any sports car – of low mass and an extremely rigid body.

A fundamental requirement for excellent dynamic attributes, delivering that rigidity figure required some innovative engineering solutions in order to maximize strength without impacting on the design vision. Due to the lack of B-pillars, Jaguar's engineers were presented with the challenge of keeping the design's sleek, pillarless, low roofline – combined with the need to create the optimum amount of interior space – while still achieving the necessary rigidity and strength targets. The solution was a high-strength, hydro-formed aluminum alloy beam which runs from the front of the A-pillar through to the back of the D-pillar, through the door opening line and back to the rear quarter window.

The body side of the F-TYPE Coupe is made from a single piece aluminum stamping. This cold-formed aluminum body side eliminates the requirement for multiple panels and cosmetic joints. These exceptionally deep-draw aluminum stampings have totally eliminated the requirement for joints in the panel surface. The body side panel is fabricated from high-strength and formable AC600 aluminum, which has also been used for structural reinforcement. The use of AC300 T61 aluminum in the body structure of the car provides additional strength thanks to its energy absorbing properties, helping occupant protection.

The F-TYPE Coupe is available with either aluminum or panoramic glass roof panels that are bonded into the main roof structure – torsional rigidity is identical regardless of which roof is fitted.

In order to achieve the required aesthetic at the rear of the car, the F-TYPE Coupe features a hidden rear spoiler that sits within the tapered shut-line of the tailgate, and rises at speed. The spoiler reducing lift by up to 264lbs (120kg) and automatically rises at 70 mph and lowers when the speed drops below 50 mph.

The width of the tail is emphasized by the slim, full-LED lamps that wrap all the way around the quarters almost to the trailing edge of the rear wheel arches. The tailgate, available with powered open/close functionality, is made from composite materials, the only body panel that is not aluminum.

Aluminum forms a significant part of the Jaguar commitment to sustainability, with up to half the content of the body coming from recycled metal. In addition, the structure of the F-TYPE Coupe is exclusively riveted and bonded – this manufacturing process emits up to 80% less CO2 compared to that from welding a comparable steel structure. Jaguar is also rolling out its closed-loop aluminum recycling system to its suppliers, ensuring all scraps of metal from the manufacturing process are reused.

F-TYPE R COUPE

The F-TYPE R Coupe represents the pinnacle of the F-TYPE range. Powered by a 550hp 5-liter supercharged V8, the F-TYPE R Coupe achieves 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds2 with an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph, 50-75 mph takes a mere 2.4 seconds2.

The supercharged engine of the F-TYPE R Coupe delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminum block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps. The four-valve cylinder heads are fed by a Roots-type twin vortex supercharger via two air to liquid intercoolers.

The F-TYPE R Coupe is fitted with an Adaptive Dynamics system3 that actively controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates. The system is designed to continuously monitor driver inputs and the attitude of the car on the road, adjusting damper rates accordingly up to 500 times a second to optimize stability. For the F-TYPE R, the Adaptive Dynamics controlling software has a bespoke tune, working in tandem with revised spring rates all-round to deliver consistent, progressive and exploitable handling. Compared to F-TYPE V8 S Convertible, spring rates are increased by 4.3% at the front and 3.7% at the rear.

Engaging Dynamic mode delivers firmer damping rates, increased steering weighting, faster gear changes and sharper throttle response. In the F-TYPE R Coupe, Dynamic mode is configurable on the central 8" touchscreen, allowing the driver to save vehicle settings.

In addition to the fundamental suspension changes, the F-TYPE R Coupe features a new second-generation Electronic Active Differential3 which works in conjunction with a Torque Vectoring system. The Electronic Active Differential (EAD) builds on the progressive handling advantages of a mechanical limited-slip differential by precisely controlling the amount of driveline torque fed to each wheel. The EAD utilizes an electric motor which operates a multi-plate clutch; by rapidly and continuously analyzing a range of electronic inputs it is able to immediately vary torque transfer to each driven wheel to maximize traction.

The EAD system fitted to the F-TYPE R Coupe features a sophisticated second-generation controller. It continuously estimates surface friction, comparing that to the driver's torque demand and delivering accurate locking torque as a result. A new handling controller also means the EAD has the ability to match the car's response with the driver's inputs during both on-power understeer or off-power oversteer conditions. Working in parallel with the Torque Vectoring system3, the controller is capable of reacting to the ECU's torque request – ranging from open to full locking torque – in under 200 milliseconds.

Torque Vectoring – a standard feature on F-TYPE R Coupe – is designed to apply finely metered braking torque individually to the inner wheels as necessary, helping to turn the car into corners more precisely. Using an array of electronic sensors in the F-TYPE R Coupe, the Torque Vectoring system determines when corner entry speed may induce understeer. It then calculates the level of brake force needed to correct the car's direction and, via the ABS system, applies that precise braking force to individual inner wheels as necessary. Torque Vectoring works at a subtle level, correctively and predictively, finely adjusting the trajectory of the F-TYPE R Coupe for optimal handling.

The EAD and Torque Vectoring systems in the F-TYPE R Coupe – which work together with the car's Dynamic Stability Control system3 – complement each other to optimize traction, cornering ability and, most importantly, to maximize steering feel and agility. As a result, the use of available grip is always optimized, enabling the F-TYPE R Coupe to carry more speed into, through and out of corners, while delivering precision handling during high-speed maneuvers.

The F-TYPE R Coupe includes the Jaguar Super Performance braking system. This system features 15-inch (380mm) front and 14.8-inch (376mm) rear discs – with red painted calipers. Brake cooling is optimized via under-body channeling of air, through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis.

The eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission has been recalibrated to make the best use of the 550hp engine in the F-TYPE R Coupe. Its eight, close ratios help to fully exploit the engine's rev range and ensure that it remains within its optimal power band with every gear change. Manual control is available to the driver at any time, using either the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central SportShift selector.

The Active Sports Exhaust system in the F-TYPE R Coupe – with quad, outboard-mounted tailpipes – offers an authentic, rich sound, developing to an aural crescendo at high RPM. The system uses electronically controlled bypass valves in the exhaust which are mapped to open according to a range of parameters, altering the exhaust gas routing into a freer-flowing path to reduce back pressure and enhance sound quality. Selecting Dynamic mode or pressing the standard override button enables driver control of the system.

The aerodynamic bodywork of the F-TYPE Coupe – gloss black front vanes beneath the shark gills and matte side sill extensions – aid its stability at speed. The window finishes on the F-TYPE R Coupe model are highlighted in bright anodized aluminum along the frames of the side glass, with the grille surround and side air vents in bright chrome, while the optional Black Pack adds gloss blacked out trim. The front air splitter, side vents, door mirror covers, hood vents and engine cover are available in carbon fiber.

20-inch 'Gyrodyne' style wheels in silver finish are standard on the F-TYPE R Coupe, while a dark grey and diamond-turned version is optional.

Interior

The driver-focused cabin in the F-TYPE R Coupe clearly conveys the car's pedigree and sporting prowess, through a combination of taut styling, involving interfaces, and premium materials and textures.

Performance seats in the F-TYPE R Coupe have inflatable bolsters for support during high-G cornering.2 The seats are finished in premium leather, with the 'R' logo embossed on the headrest. A 'Jet' black interior trim is offered with three options of contrast stitching – Ivory, Red or Firesand – on the instrument panels, door panels, grab-handle highlight and console. There are also three sporting color options on the Jet black seats – Ivory, Camel or Red contrast seat surfaces, each with similarly-matched contrast stitching.

The premium trim in the F-TYPE R Coupe also includes leather on the instrument panel and cluster, armrests, door inserts and the center console. Leather or Suedecloth headliners are optional. The driver focused cockpit conveys its sporting intentions with a small-diameter, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in Jet black leather with the R logo. A round wheel is a no-cost option.
Also standard on the F-TYPE R Coupe is the top-spec 770W Surround Sound audio system by British audio experts MeridianTM, as well as heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
F-TYPE V6 COUPE AND V6 S COUPE

The Jaguar F-TYPE V6 Coupe is also available in two supercharged V6 variants, both driving the rear wheels through ZF eight-speed Quickshift transmissions. Featuring a rigid yet lightweight Coupe body shell and combined with a finely tuned focus on ride, handling and performance, both the F-TYPE Coupe and F-TYPE S Coupe are true driver's cars.

The V6-powered F-TYPE Coupe model that starts the range is powered by a 3-liter Supercharged V6 engine with 340hp, and is capable of 0-60 mph2 in 5.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 161 mph2. Standard features include a Dynamic Mode, a sport exhaust with two centrally-mounted tailpipes, a sport suspension, and a Performance Braking system (13.9-inch (354mm) / 12.8-inch (325mm) discs front/rear) with silver calipers.

The F-TYPE S Coupe, powered by Jaguar's 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine in 380hp tune is capable of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds2 on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph2. It features Dynamic Mode, Dynamic Launch, Active Sport exhaust, sport suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, the High Performance Braking system (15-inch (380mm)/ 12.8-inch (325mm) discs front/rear) with black calipers and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The Super Performance and Carbon Ceramic Matrix braking systems are available as options.

The F-TYPE Coupe model range is available with two audio systems, both of which come from British audio experts Meridian™. These offer either 10 or 12 speakers with outputs of 380W and 770W respectively. The Meridian systems benefit from digital signal processing to create audio reproduction that is second to none. The top offering features Meridian's proprietary Trifield™ System, which places both occupants at the center of their own perfectly focused surround sound field.

All F-TYPE models – Coupe and Convertible – are equipped with an Intelligent Stop/Start system which, when conditions allow, stops the engine from idling when the car comes to a stop and the driver's foot is on the brake pedal. When the brake is released, the system will quickly restart the engine. By reducing idling, the system offers reduced fuel usage and emissions.

AVAILABLE CARBON CERAMIC MATRIX BRAKES

The F-TYPE R, V8 S and S models are available with optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes which offer absolute consistency of performance and excellent fade resistance, as well as a total unsprung-weight saving of 46lbs (21kg). Vivid yellow monoblock calipers – six-piston at the front and four-piston at the rear – grip 15.7-inch (398mm) front and 15-inch (380mm) rear brake discs made from a matrix of carbon fiber and ceramic, which is extremely hard and highly resistant to wear. Specify CCM brakes and the F-TYPE R, V8 S or S will come with forged 20-inch 'Storm' wheels with a gloss black/diamond-turned finish.

The CCM system offers consistent performance and excellent fade resistance, while retaining the precise pedal feel of the standard system. Reduced wear and tear in day-to-day driving also means extended disc life.

CCM brakes offer considerable weight savings over standard steel brakes – the overall 46lbs (21kg) reduction in unsprung weight enhances handling dynamics. As CCM brakes generate more surface temperature than steel brakes, open-air intakes on the bumper and deflectors on the rollover protection system direct airflow to the braking system – the attention to detail even extending to the use of new, heat-resistant valve stem caps.

CCM brakes feature a pre-fill system function that applies a slight brake pressure to all four calipers when the throttle is released – and before the brake pedal is pressed. The pre-fill system ensures a consistent brake pedal feel, and is tuned for speed proportionality. This means that at higher speeds it will give a consistently sharp, confidence-inspiring response, while at lower parking speeds the system will provide a more comfort-biased pedal feel.

1 Price shown is MSRP. Does not include $895 destination/handling fee, and excludes, tax, title, license, retailer fees and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicles availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar retailer for details.
2 Always follow local speed limits.
3 These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all
circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.

By Brandon Turkus