Jaguar USA just went live with the 2018 F-type Models/packages
https://www.jaguarusa.com/all-models/f-type/index.html

 

I'm loving that Ultra Blue!

I also like that you can now get the standard metal roof on the 340HP F-Type (I think in 2017 you were forced to choose between the panoramic roof or carbon fiber?).

What I don't like is that the upgraded seats no longer seem to be available in Alcantara.


Oh, and I just noticed that you can add a fixed rear spoiler? That's new, isn't it? Does that thing actually generate real downforce, or is it just for show?

 

Color selection seems a bit timid for 2018.

Anyone think they might be pushing the 2.0 turbo a bit hard to get a stated 296hp out of it?

 

Nope, not new. Been around for a year or two.

 

Mercedes gets 375 HP out of the 2.0L in the CLA45, so 296 HP out of Jaguar's 4-cylinder isn't too outrageous.

 

300 hp out of a 2.0L is nothing. Indy cars are 550-700 out of a 2.2L with intake restrictions.

 

"Inhibit deployable rear spoiler" is a new option

 

I don't think "they might be pushing" is in relation what could be done in professional racing context when engine is rebuilt every race, but more in context of reliability and longevity of the engine.

That is, with a big enough turbo I could get a Corolla to 300hp with just-bolt on. However, is it a good idea to do so?

 

Indycar rules only allow 4 engines per year be used with no rebuilds.

That being said, Toyota made a 252 hp version of their Corolla engine for Lotus; so 300 isn't much of a stretch. A lot of things have changed from the days of big displacement engines. Engineering is far superior, and engines can absolutely make this kind of power with reliability.

 

+1. The ability of an engine to reliably produce power no longer depends on displacement , but rather on the strength of the engine components.

 

It's progress in both materials and manufacturing. My top-shelf motorcycle from 2007 is probably putting out >190HP at the crank, and the rev-limiter doesn't stop the fun (terror) until 13,700. That's naturally aspirated.

Seriously, look at what Volvo is getting out of a twin-charged 2.0 these days, and in their SUV. 316HP and 295 lb-ft? And they're trusting that to people who don't even know how to wash their own windshield.

 

Subaru WRX's, Mitsubishi Evo's have all had over 300bhp from turbo 4's for a while. I think the Ford Focus RS pushes around 350bhp. Hell I had a Lancia Delta Integrale (for those who know WRC cars) in the early 90's with 220bhp from a blown 4 cylinder.

I don't think Jaguars 4 cylinder power output is pushing it.

 

Key word here is "Blown". If you "Blow" 75 psi into a 4 cylinder 2.0 engine you could theoretically get 700hp?(o.k., I'm a former pilot/chemist, not engineer). But how long will it last. Not saying that 500 cu.i. is better, but a little compromise has to be called for.

 

If all the components of a 2 L engine are properly designed to handle 700 hp, it should be every bit as reliable as any other production engine.

 

Hmm...

Well, the combustion chamber pressures are going to be very high, but Diesel engines generally run compression ratios of 25:1 with a turbo charger on top - so that shouldn't be a problem in itself.

But 700bhp on a small capacity engine suggests very high rpm. However, motorcycle engines (or at least, those that don't make a 'potato-potato' sound on tick over) reliably rev to 17,000 rpm.

In combination there could be problems if the design, matufacturing process, or materials fall short, but that's just statistics.

Longevity might be an issue if you planning to pass it on to your kids?

 

Correct, no issue with high powered small displacement engines.

 

Offenhauser(sp.?) designed their 4cy. engines to produce massive amounts of hp with very little cu. but the engines were driven 500 miles by professional drivers and torn down and rebuilt after each race. If you mass produce an engine to be driven by a soccer mom who does not know what oil pressure is and expect it to last 50k miles and produce anything like that hp, I think that might be just a little optimistic.

 

I would hope that a soccer mom isn't using 700HP very often.

 

I'm hoping you aren't either! lol

 

Even with AWD, there are some pretty nice changes to the R and price may make me consider a 2018/2019 vs buying out my 15R this time next year.