The F-TYPE has undergone its first dynamic challenge outside of Jaguar’s internal development programme, following an invitation to three world-renowned drivers – Martin Brundle, Christian Danner and Justin Bell – to put both 380PS V6 and 495PS V8 prototype models to the test.
In cold and challenging conditions at the UK’s Snetterton 300 circuit and on the surrounding Norfolk roads, the trio of international racing drivers and television presenters – resident in the UK, Germany and the US – were able to experience the F-TYPE’s performance in full.
Their efforts were witnessed by Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar, the man who has directed the team which has worked tirelessly to ensure the F-TYPE delivers a truly rewarding sports car driving experience.
“It’s been a fascinating day,” said Mike. “The entire F-TYPE development programme has, from a vehicle development perspective, been focused on delivering a connected sports car driving experience. To witness three respected drivers take to the track and to hear their positive comments validate our work has been great.”
The camouflaged prototype F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S models provided for the test were fully representative of production intent from a dynamic and powertrain perspective. The 380PS F-TYPE S covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 275km/h. Corresponding headline figures for the F-TYPE V8 S are 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds) and an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h). Both feature all-aluminium construction, Adaptive Dynamics suspension and an Active Exhaust system.
We’ve not got long to wait until we get our grubby mitts on them and to say there will be an inter office fight for the keys is an understatement.
