The Jaguar F-Type was launched in 2012 as a spiritual successor to the E-Type. At first as drop-top only, the F-Type received a coupe version in 2013. The sports car was received with great enthusiasm, often being labeled as a stout competitor for the Porsche 911. Available with a range of supercharged V-6 and V-8 powerplants, the F-Type's output ranges from 335 to 567 ponies, numbers that speak volumes about Jaguar's intentions with its stylish sports car. While owning a wild and exciting rear-wheel-drive sports coupe like the new Jaguar F-Type sounds like an absolute blast, there is a large part of the population that likes their sports cars with a little less drift and a lot more traction. Just look to the sales of the Audi R8->ke1440, Audi TT->ke1081, and the Porsche Carrera 4 for evidence of that. Jaguar->ke39 is well aware of the customers it may be losing in the colder regions of the world by only offering a rear-wheel-drive coupe, so it's now offering an all-wheel-drive versions of the F-Type R and S for the 2016 model year.

Set to make its global debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211 on November 19th, the AWD F-Type made its first official appearance in the Hakskeen Pan desert in the Northern cape of South Africa, where Jaguar joined the Bloodhound SSC World Land Speed Record program during its first high-speed testing session. Not because the F-Type is a record-breaker now that is sports all-wheel drive, but because Jaguar is the new main partner of the Bloodhound Project. Still, it's a good way to showcase a vehicle that's quicker than its RWD counterpart.

Updated 03/23/2015: Jaguar revealed prices for the entire 2016 F-Type lineup, including the recently launched AWD version. The model will arrive in dealerships starting in April at a starting price of $84,800. Continue reading for the full lineup price list.

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

Update History

Updated 11/19/2014: Jaguar has revealed even more details on its 2016 F-Type AWD.

Updated 11/06/2014: Jaguar unveiled the first details on the new F-Type AWD version set to be revealed later this month and the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Exterior

Naturally, the AWD F-Type is nearly identical to the rear-wheel-drive model as far as aesthetics go. Take a closer look at the coupe’s front end and you’ll notice the hood line sits higher now in order to make room for the added front differential under the engine. The aluminum bonnet also features new vents, which are positioned further apart and toward the nose than those seen on RWD F-Type's. Other subtle changes include body-colored side sills and body-colored valence on S models or venturi in R models. Lastly, the car's rear end comes with an "AWD" badge.

Other than that, nothing sets the all-wheel and rear-wheel-drive F-Type Coupes apart. All told, customers will get the same gorgeous shape that comes with the coupe, including the sweeping-roof profile, the muscular rear fenders, the "J Blade" headlamps and the active rear spoiler.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Although the F-Type AWD comes with a host of interior updates, none of them are exclusive to its drivetrain configuration, but rather introduced as new for the 2016 model year across the entire lineup.

Specifically, the instrument cluster features new dials and gauges, the infotainment system gets its first update and a range of new apps, the InControl features that debuted on the XE sedan, as well as telematics functions. The premium 770-watt Meridian audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio & HD Radio, Smart Key Keyless entry, and 14-way, fully power-adjustable seats are now offered as standard equipment. The panoramic glass roof is included in the standard package as well.

In addition, the F-Type S is fitted with standard flat-bottomed steering wheel, driver-selectable Switchable Active Exhaust, and Configurable Dynamic Mode for 2016. Extra standard goodies for the R Coupe model include a power tailgate.

Everything else remains as seen on the 2015 model.

Drivetrain

Jaguar's brand new all-wheel-drive system is only available with two of the three existing trim levels. The base Coupe is the only model that doesn't get AWD, meaning customers looking to have power routed to all four corners need to choose between the F-TYpe S and the F-Type R. The former features a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 380 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, while the latter extracts 550 ponies and 502 pound-feet from a 5.0-liter V-8. Both engines are supercharged.

While the F-Type R gets AWD at no extra cost, F-Type S customers need to select it as an option and pay a premium.

When equipped with an AWD system, the F-Type R is a tenth of a second quicker than its RWD counterpart, charging from naught to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. In the case of the F-Type S AWD, the benchmark remains unchanged at 4.9 seconds. Top speed remains locked at 186 mph for both models. AWD can only be had with the automatic transmission, as the newly introduced six-speed is exclusively available with RWD V-6 models.

The brand-new AWD system boasts a number of innovative technologies such as Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD). Developed in-house, IDD is a control system designed to maximize the benefits of AWD without compromising dynamics. Networked to the powertrain, rear differential and center coupling and the DSC, the IDD system provides optimum torque distribution to all four wheels.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Competitors

Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S

The king of sports cars is the 911, so it makes sense that the king of the AWD sports car market would wear the same badge. Since its introduction way back in 1995, an AWD drivetrain option has made the 911 one of the most well-rounded, all-weather sports cars in the world.

The latest and greatest of these is the new 991-generation 911 Carrera 4 and 4S. Equipped with the same exquisite design and powerful engines as their rear-wheel-drive counterparts, the AWD versions of the 911 provide all the same fun and games with a little more grip when the going gets slippery.

With multiple AWD variants of various power and performance levels, the 911 is a natural competitor to the F-Type across the range. For my eyes, the F-Type wins in a beauty contest, but it will be hard for buyers to see past that legendary crest on the nose when trying to decide between the two.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 isn't all power and looks. With the world-renowned quattro AWD system hiding under the sheet metal, it is easily one of the most capable cars in the world when the road surface is less than perfect. The Audi’s biggest weak point against the F-Type will be a lack of cheaper models.

The Audi R8 may not be as affordable as the Jaguar, but with an available V-10 engine you sure get a lot more noise and fury for your extra cash. Just like the F-Type, you can also get your R8 in hard-top, or cloth-top configurations.

It comes down to deciding between the look and feel of clinical German precision or the raw and ruckus nature of the British Cat. Could make for some interesting comparisons if you avoid the money involved.

Conclusion

We've been waiting for Jaguar to offer AWD on the F-Type as much as we wanted the Project 7 to become a production car. Now they're both confirmed, with Jaguar showing it means business with the F-Type. Sure, the F-Type is a sports car many enthusiasts are already in love with, but an all-wheel-drive system was mandatory in a market dominated by the Porsche 911. The AWD F-Type will not only help Jaguar bring more customers in showrooms, but also enable the sports car to reach the colder regions of the world.