2018 Jaguar F-Type and 2018 Range Rover Velar to Make U.S. Debut at New York International Auto Show

Refreshed Jaguar sports car will showcase a variety of updates for the 2018 model year. All-new Velar will preview future design direction for Range Rover lineup.

We’ve seen the pictures of the 2018 Jaguar F-Type portfolio and 2018 Range Rover Velar online, but the upcoming New York International Auto Show will be the first chance for people in the United States to see those vehicles up close and in person.

To refresh the aging F-Type for the 2018 model year, Jaguar has given it new looks, technology, and even new trim lines. According to Jaguar, “The F-TYPE’s award-wining design is stronger and more focused, with clearer visual range differentiation thanks to model-specific front bumpers. Full LED headlights boost visual appeal still further and help improve driver safety and comfort.” Inside, there’s a pair of lightweight slimline seats and new chrome and aluminum accents. The Touch Pro infotainment system is standard across the F-Type lineup. An app called ReRun, which was co-developed with GoPro, combines footage from the driver’s GoPro camera with performance data such as speed and g force to create content that can be downloaded on a smartphone and shared on social media. Parallel parking the F-Type will be easier thanks to a new semi-automated park-assist feature. One of two additions to the F-Type range, the R-Dynamic model will feature Gloss Black exterior accents and choice of 19- and 20-inch wheel designs. It’s available with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in two states of tune: 335 (340 PS) or 375 horsepower (380 PS). The R-Dynamic will be joined by the 400 SPORT launch edition, which Jaguar will only offer for the 2018 model year. As the name suggests, it will have a 400 PS (394 horsepower) version of the SC V6 under its hood, as well as the Super Performance braking system, Configurable Dynamics, Dark Satin Grey 20-inch wheels, and 400 SPORT branding and badges inside and out.

Slotting in between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, the 2018 Velar and its sleek, concept-like lines provide a glimpse of where Range Rover design is headed. Available power plants are a 247-horsepower turbo four, a diesel four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 317 lb-ft, and a 380-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Off-road travels will be handled by Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control, and an available air suspension.

The tweaked F-Type, new Velar, and other JLR vehicles will be on display in the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the New York International Auto Show, April 12-23.

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Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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