Jaguar Australia has announced the F-Type coupe and convertible will adopt a V8-only range for 2022.
That means that the turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine and the supercharged V6 will be dropped from the model line-up.
While the decision to switch to an V8-only line-up has increased the level of performance on offer from an ‘entry-level’ F-Type, it has also increased the cost of entry by $31,958.
You can get the F-Type in both convertible and coupe body styles for 2022.
As a result, the F-Type’s smaller two-grade line-up will now start from $159,900 before on-road costs.
The F-Type has several rivals (depending on specification) ranging from the BMW M2 right through to the Porsche 911 in a tightly contested marketplace.
JLR Australia PR Manager James Scrimshaw told Chasing Cars the company has taken a new direction with the F-Type.
“The strongest sales performers have always been the V6 and V8 variants, and we have taken the decision at 22MY to further refine our offering by just focusing on the P450 and R V8 variants,” he said.
The all-wheel drive R produces 423kW/700Nm.
While never attracting the same attention as the V8 2.0-litre turbo four pot four was relatively punchy with 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque on tap, whilst the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 made a healthy 280kW/460Nm.
With those two engines now destined for the history books, it leaves the sonorous supercharged V8 as the sole remaining engine and that’s no bad thing.
What’s new for 2022?
The F-Type model range will consist of the R-Dynamic P450 and more aggressively powered R, both of which will feature a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine used frequently throughout the JLR model range.
In R-Dynamic P450 guise, the engine produces 331kW of power and 580Nm of torque.
We think that the F-Type is one of the best looking sports cars money can buy.
The full fat R model produces 423kW and 700Nm and puts that power to the ground via an all-wheel drive system. Both models use an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
The R can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds, making it a full second quicker than the R-Dynamic model.
The R-Dynamic P450 is available in both coupe and convertible, however the AWD R is only available in Coupe form.
Despite the addition of OPF filters, the F-Types will still be able to wake up the streets thanks to a switchable active exhaust system. A quiet start function is standard for those with sensitive neighbours.
The front end was refreshed for 2020 but is still equally aggressive.
Both models also come standard with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system that utilises continuously variable adaptive dampers.
The range-topping F-Type R also features a fixed panoramic sunroof, exterior black pack, aluminium gearshift paddles and 20-inch satin grey 5-split spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the F-Type is well equipped with a 12.3-inch interactive driver display and 10-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The F-Types interior hasn’t change all that much since the inception of the model.
Owners will receive a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty along with five years of roadside assistance.
Jaguar F-Type 2022: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- R-Dynamic P450 coupe: $159,900
- R-Dynamic P450 convertible: $164,900
- R: $264,966
