AWD F-Type pounces into Sub-Sahara Africa

The best is getting even better at Jaguar Land Rover group as Jaguar’s F-TYPE R Coupé which gains all-wheel drive (AWD) traction and Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), is helping to set new standards for dynamics and driver involvement.

Its fundamentals remain true to Jaguar’s core DNA of refined power, perfect proportions, outstanding design, and lightweight construction while the addition of all-wheel drive has increased the F-TYPE’s weight by just 80kg. The result is a car with a greater breadth of dynamic capability, offering drivers a heightened sense of connection to the road.

Lisa Mallett, marketing and communications director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa said “The all-wheel drive F-TYPE joins its land-speed record-setting stable mate as the flagship in the line-up. Drivers will be able to enjoy tremendous amounts of grip in all conditions, without sacrificing the purity of the rear-wheel drive driving experience.”

Integrating AWD required only subtle changes to the F-TYPE’s acclaimed styling – a prerequisite that Jaguar’s design and engineering teams worked side by side to achieve – and the enhancements give it even more presence.

The aluminium clamshell bonnet gains a deeper central power bulge. Either side are distinctive new vents, positioned further apart and further forward than those of rear-wheel drive F-TYPE models. From behind the wheel, drivers will quickly notice the extra dimension that AWD adds to performance, handling and road holding in all conditions – and especially on slippery road surfaces.

The AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), a control system designed and developed in-house to exploit the maximum benefits of AWD without any compromise to Jaguar dynamics DNA. IDD is networked to the powertrain, rear differential and centre coupling and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to provide optimum torque distribution.

Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, the AWD system sends 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. This maintains the rear-wheel drive handling characteristics and also reduces parasitic losses in the drive-train.

The F-TYPE is the first Jaguar sports car to use EPAS, and the new system is fitted as standard to other models. Years of development have ensured that the technology is now mature enough to deliver the benchmark response and feel that drivers have come to expect. Since the system’s electric motor provides power assistance only when needed, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced.

Applying composite technologies first developed in motorsport and aerospace, Jaguar has engineered a carbon-fibre roof option for the F-TYPE Coupé. At just 4.25kg, the carbon-fibre panel is even lighter than the aluminium pressing. The high-gloss lacquer finish leaves the distinctive ‘twill’ weave of the fibres clearly visible.

Enhancements are not limited to the chassis and driveline technology. The instrument cluster features new dials and gauges. The infotainment system is upgraded too: navigation routing is much faster than before and SD card-based mapping is available for the first time.

Customers who wish to make their F-TYPE look even more exclusive have the option of a Sport Design Pack: the bespoke splitter, sills, venturi and, for the Coupé, fixed rear spoiler, subtly enhance the styling without affecting the purity of line which sets the F-TYPE apart in the sports car segment.

According to Willem Schoeman, marketing and public relations manager, Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa, the F-TYPE R Coupé AWD is available now in sub-Sahara Africa markets.