Jaguar F-Type Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

A new cat will soon be on the prowl on our streets. Get ready for the P450

vuyi on April 21, 2021

Jaguar has added a second V8 supercharged engine option to its F-TYPE sports car range in South Africa.

Jaguar has added a second V8 supercharged engine option to its F-TYPE sports car range in South Africa. The new P450-badged model will be available in a choice of Coupé and Convertible body styles.

The new 331kW supercharged V8 has been developed to offer exploitable and rewarding performance – its maximum torque of 580Nm being generated from just 2,500rpm. It’s offered with a choice of all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics or – for purists – rear-wheel drive.

F-TYPE’s sculpted form is accentuated by the Black Pack and 20-inch, five split-spoke wheels with gloss black finish

Both powertrains feature an electronic active rear differential to optimise traction, and both enable 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds and maximum speeds of 285km/h. All F-TYPEs feature eight-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control using either the SportShift gear selector or the gearshift paddles.

A special P450 R-Dynamic Black model will be available from launch. Developed from the 331kW V8 R-Dynamic Coupé and Convertible, these exclusive additions to the line-up offer an enhanced specification and an even more luxurious, crafted interior.

F-TYPE’s sculpted form is accentuated by the Black Pack and 20-inch, five split-spoke wheels with gloss black finish. Known as ‘Style 5039’, these wheels are not available on any other model in the range.

Complementing these perfectly is the choice of three metallic paints: Santorini Black, Eiger Grey or Firenze Red.

The driver-focused ‘1+1’ cabin surrounds the occupants with rich, luxurious materials. Slimline Performance Seats feature 12-way adjustment and are trimmed in Windsor leather with a choice of Ebony with Light Oyster contrast stitching or – for a more sporting theme – Mars with Flame Red stitch.

Details such as the beautifully crafted monogram stitch pattern, repeated in the door trim, are among the subtle refinements which make F-TYPE feel special.

Offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, its supercharged V8 engine delivers 423kW and 700Nm

The same monogram design is used to emboss the suede cloth wrap for the 12.3-inch reconfigurable Interactive Driver Display, while other refinements include satin-finish aluminium gearshift paddles, an Ebony suede cloth headliner and illuminated treadplates featuring the Jaguar script.

For truly exceptional performance in all weathers and on any kind of road there is also the F-TYPE R P575. Offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, its supercharged V8 engine delivers 423kW and 700Nm: the benchmark sprint to 100km/h takes just 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is an electronically-limited 300km/h.

The 2022 Model Year F-TYPE range is planned for launch in South Africa in the second half of this year

The F-TYPE R and P450 models are equipped as standard with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system with Configurable Dynamics. Using electronically-controlled, continuously-variable dampers, Adaptive Dynamics optimises both low speed comfort and high speed control, while Configurable Dynamics enables the driver to tailor the settings for suspension stiffness, steering weight, throttle response and gearshifts.

Customers who choose either of the V8 F-TYPEs benefit from the Quiet Start function: the electrically actuated bypass valves in the rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open up under load. If desired, Quiet Start can be over-ridden by selecting Dynamic Mode or by pressing the switchable exhaust button before starting the engine.

The 2022 Model Year F-TYPE range is planned for launch in South Africa in the second half of this year and consists of:

F-TYPE R-Dynamic P450 Coupé and Convertible: 331kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift; RWD

F-TYPE R-Dynamic Black P450 Coupé and Convertible: 331kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift; AWD

F-TYPE R P575 Coupé and Convertible: 423kW 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift AWD

Watch: Vuyi Mpofu throws a few ‘cats’ around the track then makes them hiss on the skidpad

vuyi on November 27, 2020

Our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu recently attended a driver training session at the Jaguar LandRover Driving Experience in Lonehill. During the course of the afternoon, she drove 5 different Jags in 3 different scenarios designed to simulate real-life motoring experiences faced by drivers on a daily basis.

As most motorists are aware, there is little to zero respect for road rules on our roads. In addition, the attitudes of most drivers on our roads is nothing short of appalling, and; when coupled with the fact that vehicle maintenance and having insurance are not particularly high on many car owners’ list of priorities, driving in South Africa can be described as an extreme sport.

For these reasons, and many others, I was excited to receive an invitation to attend a half day training session at the new-look Jaguar Land Rover Experience Centre in Lonehill. Granted, I have participated in countless driver training sessions over the years, including those hosted by the iconic British automaker, but as a seasoned petrol-head I would never pass up on an opportunity to spend time driving spirited ‘cats’.

The Jaguar Driver Training session started off with the usual completion of mandatory registration and indemnity forms and of course, observing COVID_19 protocols. This was followed by a scrumptious light lunch at the TLC on the track restaurant which is not only tastefully decorated but also overlooks the skidpan area and other driver testing areas within the Centre.

Next, we spent time in the conference room interacting with lead instructor – Devon Scott, Jaguar Lead Instructor (and Land Rover Senior Instructor) during which the group discussed various elements of road safety and defensive driving.

With the theory out of the way, it was time to head to the track to do what I had been eagerly awaiting – DRIVE! Our vehicles comprised of the following:

Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar XE
Jaguar XF

The driver training session focused on driver training elements which the majority of motorists put into use on a daily basis (with varying degrees of success), being:

Emergency lane change
Controlling a vehicle in a skid
Steering slaloms

Credit: Opak Media

I had the pleasure of driving each of the vehicles a minimum of twice around the track per exercise, experiencing each vehicle’s handling capabilities, performance and responsiveness. The F-Type is in a league of its own, and with the top down it proved to by my most enjoyable ride. For everyday driving I would elect the F-Pace for elements such as its command seating position, interior space and impressive sprinting ability. But as per my vote at the South African Car of the Year competition earlier this year, my final thumbs up still lies with the of extraordinary technological marvel which is the I-Pace.

It is an extremely good idea to equip yourself with driving training skills, even if you don’t drive a luxury vehicle. But if you are feeling aspirational, the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Experience offers a variety of courses at affordable rates. Who knows, you might find yourself purchasing one too!