Jaguar F-Type R coupe AWD offers performance and confident handling in all conditions
While most of us are annoyed at the rain we’re getting at the moment, there’s one car company that’s probably pretty happy with the wet conditions.
Jaguar New Zealand has just launched an all-wheel-drive version of the fabulous F-Type R coupe, priced from $198,000.
The F-Type R still has the laugh-inducing 5-litre, V8 supercharged petrol engine producing 404kW of power and 680Nm of torque and sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The Jaguar F-Type gains all-wheel drive, adding to the entertainment.
The exhaust retains the snap-crackle-pop noise that makes you wind down the windows and turn off the stereo to listen to it, especially coming from the quad tailpipes when active sports is engaged.
I’ve tested the RWD S coupe and R convertible (during which time I was proposed to by a stranger who was clearly enamoured with the car), and the F-Type remains one of my favourite sports cars.
But now the rear-wheel F-Type gains all-wheel-drive — and before the detractors start that it takes away the fun, instead it just adds to the entertainment.
The AWD system doesn’t temper the sports coupe, instead it gives you confidence to take on those tight corners without fear of having to make “that” call to Jaguar HQ, and allows you to really experience the full potential of the coupe.
The exhaust retains the snap-crackle-pop noise that makes you wind down the windows to listen to it, especially coming from the quad tailpipes when active sports is engaged.
During Driven’s test week with the F-Type R, the rainy conditions meant slippery roads and the Jaguar on its 20in Pirellis just got on with driving without any anticipated tail flicking loss of traction. The AWD system features intelligent driveline dynamics (IDD) that works with the powertrain, rear differential and centre coupling and dynamic stability control (DSC) system to provide optimum torque distribution.
The AWD system sends 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions.
If the system reckons the rear wheels need help, torque is transferred to the front, giving better traction.
The Jaguar F-Type not only brings with it entertaining driving — whatever model you’re in — it also means a queue at work for colleagues volunteering to be passengers.
Plenty of volunteers to ride in this Jaguar F-Type.
Inside the cabin, I was able to point out some new features. As well as the addition of AWD, the new F-Type gains an updated centre digital display (not that it makes a significant change).
The infotainment touchscreen also has an updated system like the new Jaguar XE and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
The system also integrates a reverse parking camera that you need as the rear vision out of the F-Type is limited.
My only complaint about my test vehicle was that it didn’t have access to the boot in the cabin via a ski box hole. I thought the AWD F-Type would have been ideal to take to the snow. But one of the volunteer passengers suggested we opt for the convertible F-Type 4 AWD and have the skis and poles out the top of the open roof.
Good thinking.
JAGUAR F-TYPE R AWD
PRICE: $198,000
ENGINE: 5-litre, V8 supercharged petrol engine, 404KW/680NM plus all-wheel-drive system.
Pros: Jag’s fab engine and exhaust plus security of AWD
Cons: No ski box hole.