Jaguar’s F-TYPE has undergone
its first dynamic challenge outside of Jaguar’s internal development programme,
following an invitation to three world-renowned drivers – Martin Brundle,
Christian Danner and Justin Bell – to put both 380PS V6 and 495PS V8 prototype
models to the test.
In cold and challenging
conditions at the UK’s Snetterton 300 circuit and on the surrounding Norfolk
roads, the trio of international racing drivers and commentators – resident in
the UK, Germany and the US – were the first outside of Jaguar’s own development
team to be able to test the F-TYPE’s performance limits.
Their efforts were witnessed
by Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar, the man who has
directed the team which has worked tirelessly to ensure the F-TYPE delivers a
truly rewarding sports car driving experience.
“It’s been a fascinating day,”
said Mike. “The entire F-TYPE development programme has, from a vehicle
development perspective, been focused on delivering a connected sports car
driving experience. To witness three respected drivers take to the track and to
hear their positive comments validate our work has been great.”
The camouflaged prototype
F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S models provided for the test were fully representative
of production intent from a dynamic and powertrain perspective. The 380PS
F-TYPE S covers the 0-60mph sprint in 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds)
and has an electronically limited top speed of 171mph (275km/h). Corresponding
headline figures for the F-TYPE V8 S are 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in
4.3 seconds) and an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h). Both
feature all-aluminium construction, Adaptive Dynamics suspension and an Active
Exhaust system.
You can view the F-TYPE track
and road driving impressions of Brundle, Danner and Bell here:
Source: Newspress
