- Jaguar transforms the F‑TYPE R Coupe with the addition of standard All‑Wheel‑Drive
- Full details of the 2016 F‑TYPE model range will be announced at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19
- AWD reveal marks the start of a Jaguar partnership with Bloodhound SSC, a British Land Speed Record team aiming to exceed 1,000 mph
(SOUTH AFRICA) ‑ November 5, 2014 ‑ Today, in the South African desert on Hakskeen Pan, Jaguar unveiled the new 2016 F‑TYPE R Coupe featuring all‑wheel‑drive technology, a first for the F‑TYPE line‑up. Expanding its dynamic capability of reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a limited top‑speed of 186 mph1, standard Instinctive All‑Wheel‑Drive® and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics will provide F‑TYPE R drivers with improved traction and confidence in a variety of road conditions2.
The addition of all‑wheel‑drive is one of a number of performance enhancements to the award‑winning Jaguar F‑TYPE model range which will grow from six to 12 derivatives in the 2016 model year ‑ the full model range will debut at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19.
"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." ‑ Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar
The reveal also marks the start of a technical partnership between Jaguar and Bloodhound SSC. With the ultimate aim of raising the world land speed record to above 1,000 mph, Jaguar assisted the Bloodhound SSC team in successfully completing a vital communications test at the Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape of South Africa.
On the relatively soft surface of the Hakskeen Pan, the stability of the F‑TYPE R AWD Coupe was demonstrated as it was driven flat‑out by Bloodhound SSC chairman and former world land speed record holder, Richard Noble.
Fitted with the same radio equipment as the Bloodhound SSC, the F‑TYPE was driven at top speed towards a jet flown at 500 mph and just above 50‑ft above the ground. The combined closing speed of almost 700 mph enabled the successful test of the system that will allow communications between the ground crew and Andy Green in the Bloodhound SSC, which will run for the first time on the Hakskeen Pan just twelve months from now. Andy Green currently holds the supersonic land speed record of 763.035 mph which he set in the Thrust SSC in 1997 in the U.S.
Full details of the new 2016 model year F‑TYPE model range will be announced at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19. The Jaguar Land Rover press conference will take place at 2:40 pm PST (22:40 GMT). Andy Green will be available at the press conference to confirm the full extent of the technical collaboration between Jaguar and the Bloodhound SSC program.
1 Always follow local speed limits
2 These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.
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About Jaguar
Jaguar is a premier manufacturer of luxury sedans and sports cars offering unparalleled design with tremendous performance. The company's vision throughout its storied history has been simple: To produce beautiful, fast cars that are desired the world over. Jaguar strives to provide a world class ownership experience to every owner. Today's Jaguar lineup consists of the XJ luxury sedan, XF sports sedan, the XK Coupe and Convertible sports cars and the two‑seater F‑TYPE. Jaguar designs, engineers and manufactures exclusively in the United Kingdom, at the Castle Bromwich manufacturing plant in the British Midlands. Jaguar is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information visit the official Jaguar website at http://www.jaguarusa.com.
About Jaguar Land Rover
• The United States is one of the leading global markets for both Jaguar and Land Rover
• Jaguar Land Rover employs 25,000 people and sells vehicles in 170 countries around the world
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and three advanced manufacturing plants in the UK
• Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA
• Jaguar Land Rover is represented by more than 330 independently operated retail outletsin the USA
