From what I am seeing online, Jaguar has announced that beginning with the 2016 model year they will no longer offer RWD in the F Type models in the United States markets. I don't believe that the 2016 pricing is out yet, and I am not aware that there are any other changes being made to the car other than switching to AWD, however I would assume that adding AWD will increase the price.


My question and quandary is: Is AWD something that is not needed in warm climates (I live in Houston, TX)? I don't drive my current RWD Jag XK if it is raining and haven't felt it to be an issue, however it is not powered like the Type R. The F Type will not be a daily driver, but will be a "fun" car for off work times. I heard that the AWD is heavier, and will require a slightly redesigned hood to accommodate the change. I sort of think that the RWD will be fine (and maybe more desirable from a purest point of view), but if it really makes the car handle so much better in all climates as well as improve the resale value, maybe I should wait to order a 2016, instead of ordering a 2015. Thoughts or opinions?

 

I have just ordered the 2016 and don't see any changes, other than the AWD. The salesman said that the price should be listed as soon as the confirmation comes back next week. The only reason I ordered the AWD, was for the traction. But, if the difference is what I consider to high a price, then I will probably change it to a 2015.
Cecil.............

 

I thought the order bank was closed for MY2015....no?

 

Improved tech with the new in control app thingy...

Also steering is now electric and replaced hydraulic...

More carbon fiber options including a carbon fiber roof!

 

My understanding is that you can still order a 2015 - the local dealers have 2015 cars on order that haven't even been started, and they are telling me that I can modify the order for whatever I want.

 

It is heavier, sits a little higher, the hood has a wider bulge, and hood vents are relocated (further apart and more forward) to accommodate both a higher engine mounting necessary for the transfer case and for better cooling.

Despite the extra weight, it should be quicker than the RWD because of better traction. Getting all that power stuck to the ground is a major limiting factor in the current RWD R.

A UK member said it was several thousand (UK pounds) more expensive than the RWD, which would translate to $6-8K USD, but their pricing is considerably higher than in the U.S.

 

The salesman at Monterey told me that I took the last slot for the 2016 today. Now, who knows if that's real. I don't know about the 2015. Cecil............

 

I also remember someone telling me that if you have AWD that the tires need to be the same size, versus larger rear wheels on the RWD version. That alone might move me to get the RWD - it should look better, especially from behind.

 

TRACTION!!!!

In my tuned AWD 997 Turbo S when I accelerate hard the beast leaps forward. In my tuned V8S when I accelerate hard the rear wheels spin in 1st, 2nd or early 3rd gear.

Not sure why the front and rear wheels would need to be the same size on the Jag. They are not in the AWD 911 series.

Walt

 

I would expect around a $5K +/- extra for the RWD. Regarding RWD vs AWD, if you are in drier climates or don't drive in the wet, I think it just comes down to preference. The AWD will no doubt giver you better acceleration and corner exit speeds, but let's be real, no one is buying the F-Type to set the fastest lap times or be a tenth quicker drag racing on the streets. Look at the AWD in the Turbo S or GTR, can do amazing things at putting down the power. Yet, many people (probably majority) prefer the RWD variants of the 911 even though by all accounts they have a very good, seamless AWD system. I suppose one way to answer your question is, would you buy a 2015 Carrera S RWD or AWD?

 

The way I see it (in other words, in my opinion):

All of life is a compromise

We all must make our own decisions (not just in general but specifically when it comes to, increasingly, ALL the options and configurations of the F-Type ...it's enough to drive anyone mad)

While AWD has its benefits and proponents, it also have its drawbacks and detractors (real and imagined)

As mentioned here in another thread, there is always bound to be something new and improved next week, next month, next year(s). Which means...

Carpe diem!!! (Worked for me and my 2015 V6S which I couldn't be happier with).

My 2-cents.

 

It really is a matter of personal preference. I prefer sports cars with RWD. I also prefer hydraulic steering and one of the reasons I chose the F-Type R was because it had hydraulic steering while most other sports cars now have electronic steering. I am glad I chose the 2015 model as it will be last version of the F-Type R with both RWD and hydraulic steering.

 

+1

 

Just a guess.. however the 'originator' of the thought concerning front and rear having same size wheels might have meant doing an after market taller tire on the rear.. the rear wheels would now turn at a different rate relative to the front as originally designed. As long as a different tire height front to rear is designed in, no probem... etc. etc..

Same for my 4 wheel vehicles.

The jaguar engineers claim 100% power to the rear wheels with their awd system, until slip is detected and I believe also in certain cornering situations... so it should feel the same to drive as rwd in standard street situations.. more or less.
Lawrence.

 

The tires must be the same height, but not the same width. On the RWD R, the rear tires are actually shorter than the fronts, so i would assume you're referring to the width of the tires being staggered. Which they can still be.



Other notable changes for 2016. The center console around the shifter is changed slightly. Many many more standard options, which has lowered the possible combinations significantly (i've been told that the starting price will be the same plus about $3-4k for AWD), and the ground effects are body colored on AWD models (which i hate for the rear diffuser). See the order guide i posted in my order thread for the full list of changes. Everything yellow is new or changed.

 

Rear wheel drive for theOP in warm no snow part of the country....

In the northeast I believe the AWD take rate will be around 80 percent...

Beautiful car!

Good luck