Jaguar is broadening the appeal of the new F-TYPE with the introduction of the state-of-the-art four-cylinder Ingenium engine. The award winning F-TYPE family now spans from the entry-level four-cylinder model to Jaguar’s 200 mph all-weather supercar, the F-TYPE SVR.

The pairing of Jaguar’s all-aluminium two-seat sports car with the advanced 296 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant delivers Jaguar sports car DNA with enhanced agility and improved efficiency and affordability. The new model retains the performance expected from the F-TYPE, and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph. The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 295 lb-ft, generated from just 1,500 rpm, together with the eight-speed Quickshift transmission, delivers exceptional response throughout the rev range.

Not only is the 296 hp Ingenium engine the most powerful four-cylinder unit ever offered in a production Jaguar, it also generates the highest specific power output of any engine in the F-TYPE range: 148 hp per litre. It also makes this the most efficient F-TYPE in the range, with a 16 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the 335 hp V6.

“Introducing our advanced four-cylinder engine to F-TYPE has created a vehicle with its own distinct character,” said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar F-TYPE. “Performance from an engine of this size is remarkable and is balanced with improved fuel efficiency and affordability, making the F-TYPE experience more accessible than ever before.”

To ensure the best possible launch performance and transient response while still enabling the engine to develop its high peak power output, the turbocharger features ceramic ball bearings. These deliver the lowest possible bearing friction, especially from cold starts.

Like all members of the Ingenium family, the F-TYPE’s 296 hp powerplant was designed and developed in-house. It is manufactured in the UK at Jaguar Land Rover’s £1 billion Engine Manufacturing Centre. The Ingenium engine contributes to an overall vehicle weight reduction of 52 kg – most of which is over the front axle – and this is key to the four-cylinder F-TYPE’s enhanced agility. Meticulous tuning of the chassis to complement the new engine delivers even greater steering response, body control and ride comfort.

“Most of the weight reduction is over the front axle, making the car beautifully balanced and really agile to drive – as you’d expect, the car is really at home on beautiful twisty roads,” said Erol Mustafa, Chief Product Engineer, Jaguar Sports Cars. “Couple that with a four-cylinder exhaust note and this particular F-TYPE has a character all of its own. I like to think of it as the feisty younger brother of the V6 and V8 models.”

The 2018 Model Year Jaguar F-TYPE features visual enhancements to give the sports car an even more powerful presence. Redesigned bumpers, together with optional full LED headlights enhance the F-TYPE’s award-winning design and provide greater differentiation between each model in the range. At the rear the four-cylinder model features a unique single tailpipe finisher to distinguish it from the twin central exhausts and quad outboard exhausts of the V6 and V8 models. Lightweight 18-inch wheels also identify the latest addition to the line-up, and help to minimise unsprung mass, contributing to the enhanced ride and handling.

“We wanted the power and efficiency of the new four-cylinder engine to be matched by levels of responsiveness that would make the F-TYPE driving experience even more engaging and rewarding,” said Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Land Rover. “The result of the intensive development process is an even better balance, an even more connected feel, and enhanced ride comfort. Enthusiasts will want to drive this car: this is a true F-TYPE, with its own unique character.”

The changes to the F-TYPE’s interior, including lightweight slimline seats, Touch Pro infotainment system and new chrome and aluminium trim finishers, heighten the driver-focused feel. A sleek frameless rearview mirror adds another contemporary touch.

“Retaining the silhouette of F-TYPE across the model range is really important to us whether it’s the 200mph SVR or the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar. “This is a true Jaguar sports car and a true F-TYPE – we didn’t want to dilute the design DNA. Even so, this car has its own unique character, and the new single tailpipe finisher exemplifies this.”