Jaguar Introduces New Four-Cylinder Powered F-Type

2018 Jaguar F-Type now has the Ingenium four-cylinder under the hood.

Hot on the heels of the New York International Auto Show is some important news for our favorite Jaguar, the F-Type. For the 2018 model year, the F-Type can be ordered with the Ingenium four-cylinder engine. This direct-fuel injected, turbocharged, 2.0L inline-four produces 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the baby F-Type. In this case, the “base” engine is no penalty box, offering rather rapid acceleration. Jaguar is quoted as saying:

“The new model retains the performance expected from the F-TYPE, and can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155mph². The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 295-ft. lbs generated from just 1,500rpm work in combination with the eight-speed Quickshift transmission to deliver exceptional response throughout the rev range.”

Jaguar’s acceleration estimates tend to be a touch conservative, so expect the car to land squarely at the 5-second flat range to 60mph. For the sake of comparison, the four-cyliner F-Type is 52 kilos (115lbs) lighter than the supercharged-V6 model. Additionally, spring rates have been softened by 4% in front, and 3% in the rear to accommodate the mass reduction. Said reduction, Jaguar claims, is mostly off the front axle. The monotube dampers have been valved with the learning incorporated from Jag’s SVR team. Additionally, the electric power-assisted steering has been recalibrated for the newfound weight loss. Brake rotors measure 355 mills (14.0″) in front and 325mm (12.8″) in back. As standard, the littlest F-Type rides on 18″ wheels, with 245/45 rubber in front and 275/40 in the back. As you can see, the press kit we were given was very dense on details, which you (the readers) and I both love. It seems that Jag put a lot of effort into the Ingenium F-Type.

There is much ado about reducing loss-speed understeer in the platform, which we approve of. Jaguar claims that changes made for the four-cylinder model improve over-all balance. We have no reason to doubt their claims.

Make no mistake, this is a solid move on the part of Jaguar. With the turbo-four, the F-Type has an MSRP starting just under $60,000 ($59,900, to be specific). Accessibility from the lower price point, greater fuel efficiency and lower running costs in general will certainly bring people into the showrooms.

Looking beyond the new powertrain choices, a few other things have changed for the baby Jag in 2018. New bumpers, full-LED headlights, and new trim pieces adorn the exterior. Inside, new seating options and garnish pieces wrap up the interior renovations. However, the thing we are most impressed with is the in-board “ReRun” app. ReRun uses integrated GoPro technology to record exterior video, with included data telemetry. If you’re inclined to run your Jag around the track, or even your favorite back road, ReRun will capture the experience.

Full gallery can be found below:

Jake Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, and former content editor for Internet Brands Automotive which he joined in 2015. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon.

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