2016 Jaguar F-Type: First Look

Competes with: Audi R8, Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911
Looks like: A 2015 F-Type with a new hood design and some distinctive body features for all-wheel-drive versions
Drivetrain: A 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, or a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 with the automatic, with output ranging from 340 to 550 horsepower and 332 to 502 pounds-feet of torque
Hits dealerships: Spring 2015

Following the addition of the rear-wheel-drive F-Type coupe for 2015, Jaguar is further expanding the exotic sports car’s offerings with all-wheel drive, standard on F-Type R versions and optional on S models, as well as an available six-speed manual transmission for rear-wheel-drive versions. The top-performing R models, in coupe or convertible form, boast a 5.0-liter, direct-injected supercharged V-8, which puts out a roaring 550-horsepower and Jaguar quotes a 3.9-second zero-to-60 mph time; it succeeds the outgoing rear-wheel-drive-only F-Type V-8 S, which made 495 hp.

Related: More 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

The 2016 Jaguar F-Type is bowing this week at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The automaker says that in addition to new powertrain options, upgraded offerings include electric power assisted steering that improves efficiency and precision, a new suite of telematics and smartphone connectivity features, and more standard equipment.

Exterior

Jaguar says all-wheel-drive versions distinguish themselves with “AWD” badging on the rear and “subtle but distinct” styling tweaks. The all-wheel-drive aluminum clamshell hood has been reshaped and fitted with new vents positioned farther apart and farther forward than on the rear-wheel-drive version. All-wheel-drive models also have unique body-colored side sills, as well as other body-colored details on R and S models.

Interior

Inside the cockpit, the instrument cluster features new dials and gauges, and the multimedia system also gets an upgrade with improved connectivity and telematics functionality. InControl Remote, for example, allows the driver to check info such as fuel level or door-lock status using a smartphone. Likewise, the driver can use a smartphone to start the engine and activate climate-control functions.

Beefed-up standard-equipment offerings now include a premium surround-sound system, satellite radio, keyless entry and 14-way power-adjustable seats. F-Type coupes also get a standard panoramic moonroof, while R coupe models get a power tailgate, and S models a get flat-bottom sport steering wheel, driver-selectable Switchable Active Exhaust and Configurable Dynamic Mode, which allows the driver to set performance levels according to preference.

Under the Hood

Drivetrain options in the base rear-wheel-drive F-Type coupe and convertible include a supercharged V-6 mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission; it’s good for 340 hp, 332 pounds-feet of torque and a 5.1-second zero-to-60 mph sprint with the automatic (5.5 with the manual) on its way to a 161 mph top speed.

All-wheel drive is optional on S coupes and convertibles, which bumps the output up by 40 hp and 7 pounds-feet and top speed by 10 mph; sprint time is 4.8 seconds with the automatic, 5.3 seconds with the manual and 4.9 seconds when you add all-wheel drive. Both coupe and convertible R models, come standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, and boast an output of 550 hp and 502 pounds-feet of torque good for a 3.9-second sprint and a 186-mph limited top speed.

No pricing or fuel-economy info was announced, but for comparison, starting prices for 2015 styles range from $65,925 for the base model to $99,925 for the R model (including destination), and fuel economy ranges from 16/23 mpg city/highway to 20/28 mpg.

Manufacturer images