2016 Jaguar F-sort Gains Manual, AWD Options, and the 550-hp R Model Goes Topless!

Official Pictures and Information

arrow

We want to shag this Jaguar even much more.

Excellent things come in 3s, a cliché confirmed by Jaguar’s trio of major updates to one of our favourite sports cars, the seductive F-variety. Each and every of the 2016 F-type’s bonuses were expected in some form or another, with one becoming something we’ve been desperately anticipating like jungle cats licking their chops more than a wounded elk. Or maybe we’re far more like home cats eyeing the nip—either way, the very good stuff has arrived: The F-kind finally will offer you a manual transmission.

The other 2 huge enhancements the 2016 F-kind comes packing are maybe more vital, if not as glorious. All-wheel drive joins the option sheet, even though the leading-of-the-line, 550-hp F-sort R coupe is now available in roadster kind. Jaguar also tossed the F-type’s hydraulic power steering help in favor of an electrically boosted rack for far better fuel economy and enhanced precision. The steering method also gets a stiffer column intermediate shaft.

The Fine Print*

All 3 adjustments arrive with some asterisks, with the manual transmission’s caveat getting that it can only be paired with the supercharged V-6 in either base 340-hp or spicier 380-hp S guise. Opting for the manual negates the option to select all-wheel drive, but the purity of a rear-drive, stick-shift sports vehicle makes that a fair trade to us. If 4 driven wheels suit your fancy, know that AWD can only be ordered on the more effective V-6 F-kind, while it comes normal on the R models. That final bit appears like a bit of a drag to us, given that a huge component of the present (rear-drive) R coupe’s appeal is the ease with which it can be pitched sideways, the cacophony emanating from the tailpipes shattering bystanders’ eardrums.

To add one much more note, the 495-hp V-8 S roadster—this model was by no means offered as a coupe—is dead. Jaguar figures that if you want a supercharged 5.-liter V-8, you’re most likely mad sufficient to skip correct to the R’s 550-hp take on the idea. That pares down the lineup to 3 distinct models: F-type, F-sort S, and R. The old trim designations, which incorporated every single version’s engine sort (i.e., V-6, V-6 S, V-8 S, and so on.), are gone, and for the 1st time every engine is supplied in each coupe and convertible body types.

The Finer Print, No Asterisks

The manual transmission is a 6-speed unit offered by ZF, and Jaguar boasts that the shifter’s throws measure just 1.77 inches. There’s a dual-mass flywheel to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, and it backs up to a low-inertia single-plate clutch. Jaguar claims to have placed the pedals in such a way that heel-toe downshifting is a snap, and we can not wait to verify their arrangement from behind the wheel.

All-wheel-drive F-kinds advantage from a sporty front-rear torque split in which 100 % of the engines’ may well is sent to the rear axle till slip at the front is detected. In such situations, the system’s brain can shuffle up to 50 percent of the torque to the front axle. Adding a differential to the front shifts the F-type’s weight distribution forward by 1.2 percent, and Jaguar’s specifications sheet indicates that the F-type S AWD coupe and convertible pack an extra 177 pounds, whilst the newly AWD R coupe gains 143 pounds more than the rear-drive 2015 version. More weight isn’t a welcome improvement for automobiles that are already on the heavy side of factors, but we suppose that’s what absurd levels of horsepower are for.

Every F-kind so equipped gets a nifty AWD badge, a specific hood—the R included—with wider-set and relocated heat-extraction vents compared to regular F-types, and body-colored rocker panels and rear-fascia trim.

Stuffing in More Stuff

In addition to the flotilla of technical upgrades, Jaguar also boosted the F-type’s regular gear roster. The previously optional 770-watt Meridian surround-sound audio technique is now normal across the line, as is proximity entry and start, 14-way energy seats, and InControl Apps. The last item is a new suite of Apple and Android smartphone integration functions that also contains remote engine beginning (on automatic automobiles) and the ability to remotely lock or unlock the car, check fuel level, and if the windows are up or down. All coupes get the previously further-price panoramic glass sunroof, whilst the R coupe receives a power hatch, too. The F-variety S now comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel, adjustable Dynamic sport mode, and the sweet-sounding active exhaust system.

Pricing for the 2016 F-variety lineup will not be obtainable till closer to the official on-sale date this coming spring. We’re told the manual F-sort will expense less than a commensurate auto with an automatic, and we wouldn’t be shocked if the R coupe’s cost rises slightly. Of course, of utmost significance to us is driving the 2016 F-type—especially the manual version and the all-wheel-drive R models that Jaguar predicts will hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Seeing as how we recorded a 3.5-second run a rear-drive 2015 F-variety R coupe, Jaguar’s estimated time could be very conservative . . . and it just might give the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S a run for its money.

View Photo Gallery

Photographs (45)

Other Stories You May Like

2016 Jaguar F-sort Gains Manual, AWD Options, and the 550-hp R Model Goes Topless!

The Continental: Bugatti Veyron Successor Gets a Name, Topless Mercedes-AMG GTS Seems Unlikely

Every week, our German correspondent slices and dices the newest rumblings, news, and swift-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline might say Jens Meiners, but we merely contact him . . . the Continental.

Next year, we will ultimately see the wild Bugatti Veyron 16.4‘s successor in the metal. I hear it’ll be named the Chiron, just like the eponymous 1999 Bugatti concept vehicle styled by Italdesign Giugiaro. You study it here first. In case you had been asking yourself, the Chiron notion auto appears to have taken its naming inspiration from early Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron. Naturally, a cursory Google search returns far a lot more info for a diverse Chiron, who is apparently a notable centaur from Greek mythology.

No Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Difficult times lay ahead for the Porsche 911. I have observed its nightmare, and it is the Mercedes-AMG GTS, Benz’s new sports automobile which is in the middle of a multi-stage launch. Beginning with prototype drives and continuing with an ever-increasing multitude of particulars on its powertrain and interior, Daimler is keeping suspense at a maximum. Full information here next week.

Inside, the GTS is beautifully executed, with a stylized NACA duct in the center console and 8 cylindrical buttons mimicking a its engine’s V-8 cylinder arrangement. The most gorgeous detail is the row of buttons positioned above the windshield. It lends a positively aeronautical appear to this currently spectacular interior.

Power will come from the new M178 twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8 engine. Down the road, there will be a GT3 version, which will type the basis for a buyer racing series. But there will not be a V-6 engine option. And if Porsche ever decides to do a 4-banger 911, I am confident that the boys from Stuttgart will have that market all to themselves.

A roadster version of the AMG GTS is practically complete, and at this point it wants small a lot more than an executive yes/no choice. But a choice in the affirmative is unlikely to come, given that the topless GT would undermine the position of the a lot more prestigious SL. Already below stress from the upcoming S-class cabriolet that Daimler R&D board member Thomas Weber confirmed is on its way, an open-top GT is the final factor the ailing SL would need standing beside it in the showroom.

Volkswagen to Empower the U.S.

The U.S. may possibly be Volkswagen’s most challenging marketplace of late: Sales are effectively beneath expectations, and the cars are not in tune with the expectations of the average American purchaser. The design and style is perceived as cold and generic, and there is as well tiny “news” or pizazz in the brand’s portfolio.

Now top management has given the U.S.-marketplace operations a lot much more clout. Item cycles will be shortened to 5 years, in a 3–2 pattern: Following a model’s redesign, its first major facelift will come after 3 years 2 years later, an totally new solution will be prepared. The initial car to which this life cycle will apply is the upcoming B-segment SUV, followed by the next-generation Passat. Even prior to that, in time for the 2016 model year, the existing Passat will obtain a significant face lift. This update will give it a far much more aggressive and contemporary appearance.

To be clear, the new American-market place life-cycle strategy will not be applied to the brand globally, but they have implications for markets where U.S.-made models are sold, such as China.

I have received more intel on the next-gen VW Phaeton, which “is developed and finished” as these words are published. Based on the “MLB Evo” platform, the new Phaeton will be offered with numerous higher-powered engines, including a V-8 TDI with around 450 horsepower, a gasoline plug-in hybrid, and a W-12 (!).

Audi News, Electrically Supercharged Edition

Audi has just face-lifted its A6 and A7 models for the European market place, and now I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the new A7 at the vehicle’s launch in Copenhagen. The updated A7 will come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. The modifications, which consist of new headlights and taillights, bring the vehicle visually closer to the 2009 Sportback concept, which is a very good point.

The most fascinating model, apart from the ultra-potent RS7, is the A7 Competition (pictured above), a prime-of-the-line diesel model with a twin-turbocharged V-6 TDI. Thanks to a lot more aggressive timing, optimized turbocharger bearings, and a certain exhaust downpipe, it makes 326 horsepower (up to 346 horsepower below overboost circumstances). The sprint to 62 mph now takes merely a claimed 5.1 seconds, and best speed is governed someplace north of 155 mph. (Audi is normally a bit much more generous with its limiters than the competition, so raise your expectations.)

But Audi has yet a much better concept: Electric supercharging, which we have described in detail soon after Audi let us attempt out an RS5 TDI with a twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower diesel equipped with such a device. In Copenhagen, Audi had a pre-facelift A6 prototype with an electric supercharger for us to try, as well. With its engine based on a 3.-liter V-6 TDI with a single turbocharger plus the e-superchargerr, it is rated at a healthy 326 horsepower. The motor does not match the twin-turbo RS5 TDI concept’s sheer upper-rev energy, but it performed just as beautifully at step-off and at low rpm. I can not wait to see this technologies on the road.

---

---

A  Cool Lada—No, Seriously!

Pretty considerably every person missed out on the Moscow auto show, which is a pity. Lada unveiled the Vesta, a new compact sedan of unprecedented good quality (for the brand) and style. I like Ladas they are truthful vehicles with character. And the Vesta confident has lots of character.

The Continental: Bugatti Veyron Successor Gets a Name, Topless Mercedes-AMG GTS Seems Unlikely

The Continental: Bugatti Veyron Successor Gets a Name, Topless Mercedes-AMG GTS Seems Unlikely

Each and every week, our German correspondent slices and dices the most current rumblings, news, and fast-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we basically call him . . . the Continental.

Subsequent year, we will ultimately see the wild Bugatti Veyron 16.4‘s successor in the metal. I hear it’ll be named the Chiron, just like the eponymous 1999 Bugatti idea vehicle styled by Italdesign Giugiaro. You read it here first. In case you had been wondering, the Chiron idea car seems to have taken its naming inspiration from early Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron. Naturally, a cursory Google search returns far a lot more data for a different Chiron, who is apparently a notable centaur from Greek mythology.

No Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Hard occasions lay ahead for the Porsche 911. I have observed its nightmare, and it is the Mercedes-AMG GTS, Benz’s new sports automobile which is in the middle of a multi-stage launch. Starting with prototype drives and continuing with an ever-rising multitude of particulars on its powertrain and interior, Daimler is keeping suspense at a maximum. Full information here next week.

Inside, the GTS is beautifully executed, with a stylized NACA duct in the center console and 8 cylindrical buttons mimicking a its engine’s V-8 cylinder arrangement. The most spectacular detail is the row of buttons positioned above the windshield. It lends a positively aeronautical look to this currently spectacular interior.

Energy will come from the new M178 twin-turbocharged 4.-liter V-8 engine. Down the road, there will be a GT3 version, which will kind the basis for a customer racing series. But there will not be a V-6 engine selection. And if Porsche ever decides to do a 4-banger 911, I am confident that the boys from Stuttgart will have that market place all to themselves.

A roadster version of the AMG GTS is practically complete, and at this point it requirements small much more than an executive yes/no choice. But a selection in the affirmative is unlikely to come, given that the topless GT would undermine the position of the much more prestigious SL. Already beneath stress from the upcoming S-class cabriolet that Daimler R&D board member Thomas Weber confirmed is on its way, an open-leading GT is the last point the ailing SL would require standing beside it in the showroom.

Volkswagen to Empower the U.S.

The U.S. may be Volkswagen’s most challenging market place of late: Sales are well under expectations, and the cars are not in tune with the expectations of the average American buyer. The design and style is perceived as cold and generic, and there is as well tiny “news” or pizazz in the brand’s portfolio.

Now best management has offered the U.S.-market place operations a lot much more clout. Product cycles will be shortened to 5 years, in a 3–2 pattern: Following a model’s redesign, its 1st major facelift will come following 3 years 2 years later, an totally new product will be prepared. The first vehicle to which this life cycle will apply is the upcoming B-segment SUV, followed by the next-generation Passat. Even just before that, in time for the 2016 model year, the existing Passat will acquire a main face lift. This update will give it a far a lot more aggressive and modern appearance.

To be clear, the new American-industry life-cycle approach will not be applied to the brand globally, but they have implications for markets exactly where U.S.-developed models are sold, such as China.

I have received much more intel on the subsequent-gen VW Phaeton, which “is created and finished” as these words are published. Primarily based on the “MLB Evo” platform, the new Phaeton will be presented with numerous high-powered engines, like a V-8 TDI with around 450 horsepower, a gasoline plug-in hybrid, and a W-12 (!).

Audi News, Electrically Supercharged Edition

Audi has just face-lifted its A6 and A7 models for the European market place, and now I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the new A7 at the vehicle’s launch in Copenhagen. The updated A7 will come to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. The modifications, which include new headlights and taillights, bring the auto visually closer to the 2009 Sportback idea, which is a excellent point.

The most fascinating model, apart from the ultra-effective RS7, is the A7 Competition (pictured above), a leading-of-the-line diesel model with a twin-turbocharged V-6 TDI. Thanks to far more aggressive timing, optimized turbocharger bearings, and a particular exhaust downpipe, it makes 326 horsepower (up to 346 horsepower below overboost situations). The sprint to 62 mph now requires merely a claimed 5.1 seconds, and prime speed is governed somewhere north of 155 mph. (Audi is generally a bit a lot more generous with its limiters than the competitors, so raise your expectations.)

But Audi has but a greater thought: Electric supercharging, which we have described in detail following Audi let us try out an RS5 TDI with a twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower diesel equipped with such a device. In Copenhagen, Audi had a pre-facelift A6 prototype with an electric supercharger for us to try, as nicely. With its engine primarily based on a 3.-liter V-6 TDI with a single turbocharger plus the e-superchargerr, it is rated at a healthful 326 horsepower. The motor doesn’t match the twin-turbo RS5 TDI concept’s sheer upper-rev energy, but it performed just as beautifully at step-off and at low rpm. I cannot wait to see this technologies on the road.

---

---

A  Cool Lada—No, Seriously!

Quite much everybody missed out on the Moscow auto show, which is a pity. Lada unveiled the Vesta, a new compact sedan of unprecedented high quality (for the brand) and style. I like Ladas they are truthful vehicles with character. And the Vesta positive has lots of character.

The Continental: Bugatti Veyron Successor Gets a Name, Topless Mercedes-AMG GTS Seems Unlikely