After six years on sale, the Jaguar F-Type has been facelifted for 2020. Quite literally, given that the F-Type has an all-new face.
This joins a revised engine range and interior updates, for the most comprehensive update to Jaguar’s two-seat sports car since its introduction.
More in line with the other models in the range, the F-Type trades its curvaceous XK-esque lighting for sharp ‘super-slim’ units. The LED ‘Pixel’ headlights are standard on the R and an option everywhere else.
These join the new clamshell that has ‘liquid metal’ surfacing and new air outlets. The grille and lower intakes at the front are a bit more familiar, though also come subtly updated.
At the rear, it’s much more familiar. The razor-like lights the F-Type introduced way back when are now less curvy, and more to I-Pace, E-Pace and updated XE ‘chicane signature’ specification. If you go for the F-Type R, you get nice ‘R’ detailing on the exhaust tips.
“Design the most beautiful sports car, with purity, proportion and presence that’s unmistakably Jaguar: that was the challenge we set ourselves,“ said Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director.
“The new F-Type is more dramatic than ever, with even greater clarity of purpose in every line, surface and feature, and embodies true Jaguar design DNA.”
On the inside, again, it’s very much evolution rather than revolution. In terms of design and layout, all remains more or less the same.
However, gone are the analogue dials, replaced by a fully digital 12.3-inch reconfigurable Interactive Driver Display. The standard mode lends itself to the F-Type’s sporting character – a big central tachometer, with a gearshift indicator.
This screen can be configured a variety of different ways, including to display the full map. In the new Touch Pro infotainment system is standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as, as previously reported, over-the-air updates.
A subtle but nice touch – ‘Jaguar Est 1935’ around the glovebox button (see the image below).
2020 Jaguar F-Type – under the bonnet
So what’s changed under the skin? Well, the spec sheet at a distance will reveal that the long-standing supercharged V6 engine has been dropped entirely. The range is comprised now exclusively of V8s and four-cylinders.
Those that had hoped the new JLR straight-six would make its way into the F-Type, we’re sorry for the bad news.
Beginning at the bottom, there is the 300 hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that we’ve become used to, coming in rear-wheel-drive only.
In terms of V8s, there is a 450 hp and 575 hp version available, the latter of course coming in the R, which is also all-wheel-drive only. The 450 hp variant can be had in either AWD or RWD.
Getting all that power to the ground is an updated version of the quickshift transmission, with learning taken from the monstrous XE Project 8.
F-Type – still a muscle car in a sports car suit?
Previous F-Types, especially the raucous R, got a reputation for being muscle cars in disguise. Their raspy V8s and lairy power delivery betrayed the car’s dainty looks.
For 2021, Jaguar says it’s ‘comprehensively uprated’ the chassis. New wider 20-inch wheels join adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars and stiffer rear knuckles and ball joints.
As for performance? Spoiler alert, it’s still rapid. The 450 hp V8s get to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the R will get there in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is 177 mph for the V8, and an electronically limited 186 mph for the R.
Prices will kick off from £54,060, and you can order now. Of course, expect inevitable silly versions with SV badging to arrive later.
“The new F-Type is the definitive Jaguar sports car and continues to set the benchmark for design purity, driver engagement and reward, and a truly visceral driving experience – it makes every journey extraordinary,” said Alan Volkaerts, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar F-Type.
“Its timeless looks are more assertive than ever, technologies such as the high-definition virtual instrument cluster deepen the driver-focused feel of the interior, while the range of powertrains offers a breadth of choice unrivalled in the segment.
“Enthusiasts will appreciate the new F-Type R’s 575 hp supercharged V8, enhanced chassis and intelligent all-wheel drive system, which deliver truly outstanding performance in all conditions while retaining its inherent tractability and usability.”
2021 Jaguar F-Type – In pictures
