Jaguar prices F-Type between Porsche Boxster and 911
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PARIS -- Jaguar is pricing its new F-Type two-seat convertible between the Boxster and 911 sports cars from rival Porsche.
The F-Type will start at 73,400 euros ($94,930) in Germany, which is more than the Porsche Boxster S two-seat convertible at 59,120 euros and the cheapest Porsche 911, which costs 88,037 euros.
The F-Type is part of a model push designed to close Jaguar's sizable sale gap with German premium rivals.
The top-of-the-range F-Type V8 S variant will be a direct rival to the 911 Carrera S. Making 495 hp from its 5.0-liter supercharged engine, the V8 S accelerates to 100kph in 4.2 seconds, according to the brand, compared to 4.4 seconds for the Porsche coupe. The Jaguar's top speed is limited to 300kph.
The entry F-Type, which is powered by a 340-hp 3.0-liter V-6 supercharged gasoline engine, will accelerate to 100kph in 5.3 seconds.
Sitting in between the two is the F-Type S, which will cost 84,900 euros and uses the same V-6 engine, which is increased to 380 hp.
The F-Type will go on sale next spring as Jaguar's fourth and smallest model.
Jaguar says the F-Type features the most advanced iteration yet of its aluminum architecture. Use of the rigid and lightweight metal extends to the front sub-frame, the double wishbone front and rear suspension and the steering rack. The core body-in-white weighs 261kg, according to the brand.
The lightest V-6 version is 1597kg. Despite the weight saving offered by the aluminum structure, the car is still heavier than the 1470kg Porsche 911 Cabriolet and the 1380kg Boxster, also a convertible.
Jaguar said it worked hard to make the F-Type fun to drive. Both S models receive a mechanical limited slip differential, with the V8 S given an electronically controlled active version that distributes torque to the wheel with the best grip.
The two S models also come with Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics that automatically alters the damper setting on the move based on how the car is driven.
All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual operation via paddles. One innovation dubbed Corner Recognition means the gear ratio is held in the bend until straight road is reached.
The design of the car echoes Jaguars of past, with the E-Type coupe and roadster recalled in details such as the slim, horizontal mounted rear lights and also the twin central tailpipes of the V-6 versions.
The otherwise contemporary look is faithful to the styling of the C-X16 coupe concept that previewed the car at the Frankfurt auto show last year.
A production coupe version styled to match the original concept is also likely although that hasn't been confirmed by Jaguar. A hybrid version is also a strong possibility.
You can reach Nick Gibbs at nick.gibbs@btinternet.com.
