Long Goodbye: Special Editions of the F-TYPE Coming
According to JLR Exec Nick Collins, the company has “something special” in the works for the Jaguar F-TYPE.
Back in February, when we were still totally in the dark about Jaguar’s plans for its electric future, I issued a plea. All I asked was that the last internal-combustion model to leave Coventry be an F-TYPE, as it would be a fitting end to era which saw Jaguar produce some of the most beautiful sports cars ever made. And now, a new interview with JLR Executive Director of Vehicle Programmes Nick Collins is making me optimistic.
The news comes from out friends across the pond at Autocar, who recently scored an interview with Collins — and there’s loads of new info. First, all the initial designs, which will involve three new SUVs, have been approved. That said, we won’t see anything until 2024, as Jaguar is still fine-tuning its rollout to make the most of the massive reboot. Deliveries of the new vehicles to customers will start in 2025. We also learned both the XF and the XE nameplates will return.
Now on to the bits about the F-TYPE. Given the new electric ethos of the company, the current generation will be the company’s last V8 sports cars. But it sounds like the brass isn’t going to let the stunning coupe go out with a whimper. Because to celebrate Jaguar’s 75th anniversary, the Collins revealed that Coventry has “something special” in the works. And unless you’re just going us from a corner of the internet where cars aren’t discussed? You’re won’t need too many brain cells decoding what that means.
Basically, that means special colors, special badging, and most importantly, big engines. While I think the return of the manual gearbox is a huge longshot, I think it’s safe to say we’ll see something more powerful than the current F-TYPE R, which is packing a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 good for 575 horsepower. Given the monumental nature of the moment, here’s hoping buyers will get some crazy track special designed to slay competitors like the Porsche 911 and the Chevy Corvette. Stay tuned for more news on the future of Jaguar!
Photos: Jaguar