Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Jaguar, Luxury, Autoblog Black



If you're like us, you fell in the deepest, darkest sort of love with Jaguar's F-Type the moment its voluptuous form first surfaced. The car's full-bodied engine specs only furthered our ardor, and the droptop Jag sealed the deal before we even turned a wheel - all it took was hearing its engine bark to life.

And yet, even after driving the original convertible and the subsequent coupe, we've never quite shaken the notion that Jaguar erred a bit too heavily on the Grand Touring side of the equation for a proper sports car. That's partially because even the base model comes with a boatload of weight-adding luxury features. But perhaps more importantly, it's because the F-Type has only been available with an automatic transmission. Admittedly, the gearbox in question is a damned good paddle-shifted eight-speed ZF unit, but it's always chafed a bit that Jaguar wasn't committed to offering purists a manual - even if such a model would never be a high-volume proposition.

Apparently we weren't the only ones bothered by three-pedal omission. According to Russ Varney, F-Type Vehicle Program Director,For 2016, our chafing has ended. That's because Jaguar has just introduced a new six-speed ZF manual for V6-equipped rear-wheel-drive models. We mention that last bit because for the new model year, the F-Type will also be available with all-wheel drive, a move that ought to move the car up on shoppers' consideration lists in Northern climates. Critically, the AWD system's default torque split is 100-percent to the rear axle to preserve the F-Type's balance and feel, but 50 percent can be directed to the front when called upon.

Badging aside, you'll be able to spot an AWD F on the street thanks to its slightly higher ride height (0.2-inches), reprofiled hood complete with new vents, and body-color side sills. Unfortunately, the new AWD system is heavy - we're told it adds roughly 80 kilos in curb weight - that's 176 pounds.Continue reading 2016 Jaguar F-Type debuts available manual transmission, AWD

2016 Jaguar F-Type debuts available manual transmission, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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