I think I have the designation correct for the new 296 hp, twin-turbo engine, that's to be offered in the 2018 F-Pace.


This was to be the year that we were going to buy an F-Pace with the 340 SC engine. But, alas, Jaguar shook up the bowl and dumped the 340 and left only the 380 hp, as a V-6 choice. So now, as I'm getting into the "old Foggy" stage of life, 380 hp might just be more than I (actually, more than my wife) might want to handle.


So, my question to you is, has anyone driven a 2018 F-Pace with the new engine (296 hp), and what is your impression? We have a 2015 XJ with a 340 SC V-6, and I'm very happy with that. I know that the new engine might not compare in time to 60 or torque, but then the new F-Pace might be lighter than my XJ.


I know they are offering the 380 hp in the new "S", but we're putting that option on the side, for now. One of the reasons being that the interior colors are way too dark for our tastes. Kinda like being in a coal mine.


Any thoughts on the new engine would certainly be appreciated. None are available in the Charlotte area, at the moment. We're off to South Florida in a couple of weeks and maybe they may have a few between Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach.


THANX, in advance.


King Fala

 

I strongly suggest you still consider V6. Both transmission and engine is much better package than this new engine. New setup is improvement only if you consider gas mileage and nothing else.

F-Pace has modern electronics to keep it in check. It isn't any harder to drive than any other car - electronic stability and traction control correct any mistake without being too invasive.

I drove a loaner XE equipped with one, and was not impressed. Excessive shifting at low speed. High-rev downshift drama when merging. Noticeable turbo lag.

 

THANX. My plan will be to drive both the SC V6 and the 296 twin-turbo. That is, if I can find a dealer with the inventory on hand. With only one dealer in Charlotte the selection, right now, is slim to none. However, we're off to south Florida after the New Year. There are 4 or 5 dealers along the east coast, so I'll be able to entertain myself by trying to find something to test drive.


P.S. -- I'm still ticked off that they dropped the 340 hp from the lineup.

 

I agree, but you have to consider that V6 340hp is de-tuned V6 380hp. That is, they are the same engine matched to the same transmission and you can easily apply OEM tune to unlock extra power. Too many people caught on to this, and this cannibalized sales of upper trims that tend to be more profitable.

Also, keep in mind that if you look at power/torque curves of 340 and 380 - difference is only near the redline. So in normal driving they are identical engines.

 

I have heard about the tuning hack. I haven't fooled with it for the XJ, concerned about the remaining warranty I have on it. But, I might still look into it.

 

Tune does void engine warranty, but if you are interested VAP is reputable vendor:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...y-sale-192217/

 

Couldn't find the "S" we wanted, in the run down of the 2018s. Decided to wait a couple of more months and jump on the 2019s, due out this Summer.

 

There is no way for the dealership to know you tuned your ECU. There is a file that says ECU needs to be updated, if you are ever asked, which is a really....... long shot, you simply play dumb. There is no trace of any tunes as long as you flash back to stock. The software completely overwrites the ECU program, hence the importance of flashing back to stock before any dealership visit. Mostly because if they flash an update on top of it, it will brick the ECU.

VelocityAP is a very reputable vendor that works on exotic cars. We are lucky they have spent some time developing a few mods for us. I just installed a custom pops and crackles (second version of it) tune that I'm testing for Chris, that gives the F-Type a run for its money. I have been running the original custom tune (416+) for about a year, with their Touring exhaust with black tips.

That being said, I flashed back to stock (340) a couple of days before getting my car serviced for an oil change and radio firmware update. My loaner was the 4 cylinder, what a joke. It does move the vehicle, but it's not even close to stock 340 35t, much less to the tuned version. No offense to anybody, but it makes no sense to spend this kind of money on such an engine. Get a V6, or look into the competition for better engine choices.

BTW, there is an Eco mode your wife can use if she doesn't want to deal with too much torque. For any mods such as exhaust, ECU tune, I strongly recommend keeping the transmission in S mode, or using the very fun shifting paddles.