A faster and more dynamic all-wheel-drive version of the Jaguar F-Type will debut at the Los Angeles auto show later this month.
Jaguar claims the all-wheel-drive F-Type R coupe will become the quickest car in its line-up, accelerating from standstill to 60mph (96.6km/h) in 3.9 seconds – wiping one-tenth off the rear-drive F-Type R’s sprint time, while also matching the 1990 XJR-15 supercar and trailing the iconic 1992 XJ220 by just 0.3sec.
Though not given in metric units, the Jaguar F-Type R AWD should hit 100km/h from rest in about 4.1 seconds, matching the all-paw Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with the Sport Chrono package.
Jaguar says all-wheel drive is one of a number of F-Type performance enhancements that will debut when the full range – set to grow from six to 14 variants in 2015 – is unveiled in LA on November 19.
Jaguar vehicle line director Ian Hoban says the F-Type AWD builds on the on-road and on-track ability of the compact sports car while staying true to the British brand’s values.
“Our target with engineering the all-wheel-drive F-Type was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that’s so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability,” Hoban said.
“The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all weather and road conditions.”
Jaguar is expected to offer all-wheel-drive versions of each of its existing F-Type coupe and convertible variants, which currently cost between $119,430 and $219,130 plus on-road costs. It’s unclear at this stage what premium Jaguar will charge for sending power to all four wheels.
Jaguar has also signed a major partnership with The Bloodhound Project – the British world land speed record team that has set its sights on breaking the current 763.035mph (1227.99km/h) record in 2015 and targeting 1000mph (1609.34km/h) in 2016.
The teams behind both the Jaguar F-Type R AWD and the Bloodhound SSC (supersonic car) have collaborated in their development work at the Hakskeen Pan desert in the Northern Cape of South Africa.
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