Jaguar F-Type gets fresh face in 2020 update

Alvin Lee December 3, 2019 New Car Price, News 500 Views

Jaguar’s F-Type sports car has undergone its most dramatic facelift ever with the two-seat coupe scoring a new front fascia matched by restyled taillights and an updated cabin.

The new front of the F-Type is highlighted by the slim pixel LED headlights with updated signature J daytime running lights, and sweeping direction indicators. The new headlights blend into the new clamshell bonnet updated with ‘liquid metal’ surfacing.

Rounding up the frontal makeover is the new front bumper and subtly enlarged grille for greater road presence.

The dramatic rear haunches of the F-Type now flow into new slender rear lights that have been updated with new LED chicane signature, inspired by the Jaguar I-PACE all-electric SUV, with subtle monogram pattern detailing and a fine ‘pinstripe’ beneath.

Inside, the biggest change comes courtesy of the new 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster which offers a choice of different displays, including full map mode but, as befits a true sports car, the default mode is characterised by the large central rev counter.

Elsewhere in the cabin, new F-Type details include monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.

The F-Type continued to be available with a choice of three petrol powertrains: the 221kW turbocharged four-cylinder, 280kW supercharged V6 and the flagship 423kW supercharged V8. All engines feature switchable active exhaust systems.

Enthusiasts will appreciate the new F-Type R’s 423kW supercharged V8, which output has been raised from 405kW and 680Nm to 423kW and 700Nm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the benchmark sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is an electronically-limited 300 km/h.

The F-Type R’s increased power is matched to an uprated chassis with new, wider, 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels in Gloss Black, and new adaptive dampers, springs, anti-roll bars and stiffer rear knuckles and ball joints, promising greater agility and responsiveness. The 8-speed auto is also said to have been meticulously recalibrated for a more engaging driving experience.

A limited First Edition model based on the R-Dynamic trim is available for one model year and features refinements such as the Exterior Design Pack in contemporary Dorchester Grey and five-spoke, 20-inch wheels in Gloss Technical Grey with contrast Diamond-Turned finish, complementing the choice of Santorini Black, Eiger Grey or Fuji White paint.

The interior features 12-way Windsor Performance Leather seats in Ebony with Light Oyster stitching, or Mars with Flame Red stitching.

Other highlights include the instrument cluster wrapped in Alcantara with Monogram embossing, aluminium gearshift paddles, an Engine Spin centre console finisher with First Edition branding, and an Ebony Suedecloth headliner.