The Jaguar F-Type->ke1224 is already one of the best-looking, most capable drop-top sportscars->ke506 around. It’s stupendously fast, especially in V-8 S guise, and the gorgeous shape designed by Ian Callum looks like it was carved from solid granite instead of pounded from aluminum. Now, Jaguar->ke39 is throwing a raft of new tricks at the F-Type, including a new all-wheel-drive system, manual transmission, and a new F-Type R convertible->ke144 with the same supercharged, 550-horsepower V-8 from the F-Type R Coupe. In short, Jaguar wants to make the F-Type more usable for more people.

The new AWD system is available as an option on V-6 powered F-Type S Convertible (but not with a manual transmission), and is standard on the F-Type R convertible, which now replaces the V-8 S Convertible in the current lineup.

Yes, the Jaguar F-Type is getting a six-speed manual transmission, but it only works with limited drivetrains. Namely, the V-6-powered rear-wheel-drive variants, but Jaguar deserves a round of applause for its part in helping prevent manual transmission extinction. The company says it added the manual in response to widespread demand, most of which came from the United States.

Along with the addition of a F-Type R Convertible, the new features mean the F-Type’s range more than doubles in size from a mere six to a Porsche 911-rivaling 14 derivatives. Porsche->ke1 has had incredible success with is vast range of 911s,->ke282 which currently sits at 20, so Jaguar is almost certainly looking to replicate that success.

Updated 03/23/2015: Jaguar announced prices for the recently launched F-Type AWD Convertible. The model will go on sale in April at a starring price of $87,900.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Jaguar F-Type AWD Convertible.

2016 Jaguar F-Type AWD Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Jaguar F-Type AWD Convertible
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 380 @ 6500
  • Torque: 339 @ 3500
  • Transmission: 8-speed Quickshift
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Update History

Updated 11/21/2014: WE are live at the 2014 LA Auto Show and grabbed some images of the F-Type lineup. See the key images after the jump and others in the gallery.

Exterior

Seemingly the only thing that hasn’t changed about the F-Type Convertible is the way it looks. That’s a very good thing, because the F-Type is one of the prettiest cars around. Its brilliantly cohesive design is a more-than-worthy spiritual successor to the Jaguar E-Type.

Both AWD variants get new hoods with a larger power bulge -- possibly to make room for additional parts underneath required to drive the front wheels. The only other tip-off to the new drivetrain is a new “AWD” badge connected to the “S” and “R” badges under the right-side taillight. The two are still differentiated by their unique hood vents, wheels, and exhaust -- a dual-pipe center exit for the S and a quad-exit for the R.

Exterior Dimensions

Model

F-TYPE S AWD Convertible

F-TYPE R AWD Convertible

Length

4,470 MM (175.98 Inches)

4,470 MM (175.98 Inches)

Width excl. mirrors

1,923 MM (75.70 Inches)

1,923 MM (75.70 Inches)

Height

1,308 MM (51.49 Inches)

1,311 MM (51.61 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,622 MM (103.22 Inches)

2,622 MM (103.22 Inches)

Track front/ rear

1,597/ 1,649 MM (62.87/64.92)

1,586/ 1,627 MM (62.44/64.05 Inches)


Interior

Like the outside, not much has changed inside. The 2016 F-Type gets a few new interior updates, but none are exclusive to the AWD convertibles. The instrument cluster gets updated gauges and the infotainment system has been upgraded with new software that allows owners to monitor fuel levels and door-lock status via their smartphones, and start the engine remotely.

New standard equipment across the range also includes a 770-watt Meridian sound system, SiriusXM radio and Jaguar Smart Key keyless entry. Other than that, it’s the same high-quality, two-seat, driver-focused cabin with which we’ve become familiar.

Drivetrain

The supercharged, all-alloy, quad-cam V-8 that’s now new to F-Type R convertible is an absolute beast, and when combined with the new AWD, should allow it get off the line like a scalded cat. Jaguar backs this up with a 0-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker than the RWD F-Type R) and an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph. With 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, we have no trouble believing those figures. The supercharged V-6 gets the same 380 horsepower as before and sprints to 60 in 4.9 seconds, 0.1 seconds slower than the RWD version.

As you would expect, Jaguar says its new AWD system not only improves performance, but also improves the F-Type’s drivability over a wider range of surfaces and conditions. Its Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system is able to manage the amount of torque sent to the front and rear axles by linking to the powertrain, rear differential, center coupling and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to mitigate oversteer in sketchy conditions.

Under normal driving conditions, it’s capable of sending 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels and up to 50 percent to the front when things turn pear-shaped. Jaguar also promises a distinctly RWD feel for when the tarmac dries off or thaws out.

As previously mentioned, there’s no manual option for AWD models, but the Jaguar’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission is incredibly competent. It’s just a shame a RWD F-Type R with a manual transmission isn’t an option.

Drivetrain Specifications

Model

F-TYPE S AWD Convertible

F-TYPE R AWD Convertible

Model

F-TYPE S AWD Convertible

F-TYPE R AWD Convertible

2,995

5,000

Engine capacity (cc)

V6 Supercharged

V8 Supercharged

Cylinders

4; DOHC

4; DOHC

Valves per cylinder

84.5/ 89.0

92.5/ 93.0

Bore/ stroke (mm)

10.5:1

9.5:1

Compression ratio

150bar direct injection

150bar direct injection

Fuel injection

380 HP @ 6,500rpm

550 HP @ 6,500rpm

Power

339 LB-FT @ 3,500-5,000 RPM

502 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM

Torque

8-speed Quickshift

8-speed Quickshift

Transmission

4.9

3.9

0-60mph (sec)

171 (300)

186 (300)


Suspension, Brakes and Steering

Also new to the F-Type is an Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which replaces the traditional belt-driven steering pump of the previous iteration. These systems can have a numbing effect on steering, but Jaguar promises improved precision, feel, and a reduction in CO2 emissions due to decreased engine drag.

The AWD F-Types use the same forged-aluminum, double-wishbone set up as its RWD counterparts, though it's likely that some sprig-rate and damping tweaks have been made to compensate for the driven front wheels. Jaguar performance brakes with steel rotors come standard, with carbon-ceramic brakes available as an option.

Prices

Model

Price

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible Manual

$68,100

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible

$69,400

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE S Convertible

$81,900

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE S Convertible Manual

$80,400

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE S Convertible AWD

$87,900

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE R Convertible

$106,450


Competition

Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet

The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is the über sports car that can do just about anything. It’s certainly on the grand touring side of the 911 spectrum, but this is a car that’s as happy cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway with the top down as it is carving canyon roads or clawing its way up icy roads en route to the ski lodge.

It’s also the car the AWD F-Type Convertible has in its crosshairs. If Jaguar wants to expand the F-Type’s usability, then this car is the benchmark. If the Brit has one thing going for it, it’s an excellent power-to-cost ratio. You have climb all the way up to the $195,000 911 Turbo S Cabriolet with 560 horsepower before you surpass the F-Type R’s power figure.

Audi R8 V8 Spyder

With a mid-cycle refresh that came in 2012, the Audi R8 is as relevant as ever, and with that whole quattro thing, it’s another all-conditions drop-top that’s a direct competitor to the AWD F-Type. The base V-8 model starts at around $130,000 and $166,000 for the V-10, so it’s a good bit more expensive. Like the Porsche and Jag, it also comes in hard or soft-top configurations.

The V-8 puts down 430 horsepower and the V-10 churns 525 horsepower, so like the 911, the F-Type trumps it in terms of power-to-cost. It’s really all comes down to personal preference between a British grand touring hooligan and a precision German pseudo-supercar.

Conclusion

The F-Type has always been a bruiser, but now it’s a friendlier bruiser -- sort of like that 6-foot-4 bouncer that starts letting you in for free and never checks your ID after you introduce yourself and talk about football.

The addition of AWD drive expands the F-Type Convertible’s performance and drivability envelope. It’s sure to be an incredibly fun and capable thing to drive, but you can’t help feel like we’ve been robbed of a 550 horsepower Jaguar with a manual transmission and RWD. Hopefully that changes soon.