2021 Jaguar F-Type: This Old Cat Gets a Couple of New Tricks
Competes with: Porsche 718 and 911, Mercedes-AMG GT
Looks like: A sleeker, more sculpted take on the current version
Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: TBD
As much of the nation returns from a chilly, storm-filled holiday weekend, Jaguar is hoping well-heeled consumers are dreaming of warmer days. The British marque today unveiled the 2021 F-Type coupe and convertible, which update a performance car that’s been on sale since early 2013 with new styling and technology.
Related: 2020 Jaguar F-Pace Bumps Up Prices, Adds 2 Limited-Edition Trims
Exterior
The F-Type wears a new clamshell hood design and revised bumper, accented by a larger grille with a new hexagonal mesh pattern, slimmer LED headlights and updated daytime running lights. In back, the LED light clusters wear a tweaked design; they’re slimmer and have a chicane light graphic — similar to the taillight design on the I-Pace electric SUV.
F-Type R and R-Dynamic models add specific exterior trim to add some visual aggression and improve aerodynamics. Depending which powertrain you choose, the design of the exhaust pipes varies: Turbocharged four-cylinder models feature a single, central, quadrilateral finisher; supercharged V-6 versions use two large round tailpipes; and the supercharged V-8 has quad outboard exhausts with etched R logos.
Interior
The F-Type seats two. Jaguar’s Touch Pro multimedia system and the 10-inch touchscreen return this year, as does standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Jaguar can update the system with over-the-air functionality, too, so you don’t have to visit a dealership for updates. Finally, a new 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster offers a choice of three display themes, including a full map view.
Under the Hood
For 2021, shoppers again have a choice between four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard 296-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine carries over from 2020. Jaguar says it sprints from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph; it’s rear-wheel drive only.
Stepping up the R-Dynamic model is the familiar supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 380 hp; it’s offered exclusively with all-wheel drive. Along with various suspension, steering and braking upgrades, the topline F-Type R again uses a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, but it now generates 575 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque, up 25 hp and 14 pounds-feet compared to the previous F-Type R. Jaguar says the AWD-only R rockets to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a maximum speed electronically limited to 186 mph.
Jaguar says it will release U.S. pricing and on-sale timing in a future announcement.
Editor’s note: This article was updated Dec. 3, 2019, to correct model-year references.
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