Jaguar hinted at upgrades for the 2018 F-Type lineup when it previewed the F-Type 400 Sport Launch Edition earlier this year. But it waited until New York to reveal the latest variation on the theme: an entry level F-Type packing a more potent version of JLR’s 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium 4-cylinder that’s being introduced in the revamped 2018 Jaguar F-Pace, XE and XF models.
The turbo four in this newest F-Type cranks out an impressive 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of peak torque–the highest specific output of any engine in the F-Type range. In addition to being the most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever offered by Jaguar, JLR’s Powertrain Engineering Director Ron Lee notes it also delivers “a compelling blend of performance, refinement and efficiency.” Backed by an 8-speed ZF Quickshift automatic transmission, the rear-drive 2-seater sprints to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds–putting it on pace with the 340-horse/3.0-liter V6 F-Type–en route to a top speed of 155 mph.
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Better balance, greater comfort
In addition to having its max torque arrive at just 1,500 revs, a significant part of the new 2.0-liter F-Type’s responsiveness comes from a lower curb weight, almost 115 pounds less than its 3.0-liter counterpart. Not surprisingly, most of that mass reduction occurs over the front axle, which boosts overall balance. Rolling on 245/45-front and 275/40-rear tires wrapped around lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, the 4-cylinder F-Type also gets its own steering and suspension calibrations. Mike Cross, JLR’s chief engineer of vehicle integrity, says the revamps give the car a unique character and deliver a more connected with the benefit of enhanced ride comfort.
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Jaguar also used New York to announce an improved driver assists that features a new forward-facing stereo camera setup. Slated to arrive late in the year, it will introduce new lane departure warning and keep assist, automatic forward emergency braking as well as traffic sign recognition to the F-Type family. With the addition of the new 2.0-liter models, the 2018 Jaguar F-Type lineup expands to 24 different variants. Pricing will run from $60,995 for the base F-Type Coupe and $63,995 for the Convertible, to $125,996 for the range-topping 575-horsepower F-Type SVR. While the existing V6 and V8-powered models are due in showrooms next month, F-Type 4-cylinder versions won’t start appearing here until fall.
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