Currently reading: Jaguar adds manual option and AWD for 2016 F-type
AWD version of Jaguar's F-type sports car is revealed alongside the option of a new manual transmission at the LA motor show

Jaguar has released further details of the new 14-model 2016 Jaguar F-Type line-up, which will include the option of a manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive model for the first time. 

The manual is the first to be fitted to a Jaguar sports car since the E-type, and the new six-speed gearbox is called Quickshift and will be available only in conjunction with the F-type’s supercharged V6 engine. The “short-travel” gearlever is said to have a throw of just 45mm and “closely spaced ratios”.

Read the 2015 Jagguar F-type R AWD Coupe review here

Jaguar says the gearbox was developed in association with ZF and uses an aluminium casing and “innovative semi-dry sump lubrication system”. The ’box has a rod linkage between the lever and selector forks for “the most direct connection”.

The F-type’s centre console has been reshaped to allow the driver’s arm the maximum amount of free movement.

Jaguar says that rather than “the usual splash lubrication”, the new gearbox gets a compact mechanical pump that is driven off the layshaft and sprays oil on to the gear teeth, bearings and synchroniser rings. This has reduced oil capacity to just 1.2 litres, which, in turn, has allowed a small ’box casing. 

The new manual ’box will be offered with the V6 in both 335bhp and 375bhp forms.

The 2016 F-type will also switch to electrically assisted power steering from hydraulic assistance, a first for a Jaguar. The company says the new system is the first that, its engineers feel, outperforms its existing steering systems. It is also responsible for a CO2 reduction of 4g/km.

Jaguar has also confirmed that it will bring an all-wheel-drive variant of the F-type sports car to market for the first time.

In Jaguar top-end R coupé form, the AWD F-type is capable of reaching 60mph in 3.9sec – an improvement of 0.2sec on the standard rear-wheel-drive car – while keeping the same 186mph top speed. 

The expanded F-type range will include the current standard, S and R-badged models in both coupé and convertible forms. The updates see the convertible get a V8 R version for the first time. It gets the same 3.9sec 0-60mph time as the coupe, despite the increased weight of the folding roof.

The F-type will also get a torque vectoring system as standard. It will improve the car's agility by reducing the power to a wheel in case of a loss of traction.

A new version, powered by a high-performance four-cylinder petrol engine from Jaguar Land Rover's new Ingenium range, is also likely. 

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Jaguar officials had previously been coy about the prospect of introducing an AWD version of the F-type, but such versions of the existing Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ models have been a sales success in the US market.

Jaguar vehicle line director Ian Hoban said: "Our target with engineering the all-wheel-drive F-type was to maintain the engaging rear-drive character that’s so important to Jaguar sports cars, yet offer even greater dynamic capability. 

"The result is a controllable, exploitable and blisteringly fast performance car in all weather and road conditions."

Prices for the manual F-type start at £51,250 for the standard V6-powered car in coupé form, while AWD options stars at £66,900 for the V6 S coupé.

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Add a comment…
Speedraser 21 November 2014

Long live the manual

The Pits, it's not dead yet! Aston Martin still offers a manual in the V8 Vantage, though I'm concerned that the AMG deal may mean the current car is the last manual Aston -- let's hope not. Porsche still offers it too, though I do question their commitment given it can't be had in the GT3. Then there's BMW also, but I've given up on them since they've resorted to faking engine sound through the speakers. Again, big credit to Jaguar for bringing it back. Now let's see it offered with the V8!
Tricky 21 November 2014

Fantastic car but...

At 1730/1745kg for the coupe/cab respectively it's getting up to XKR levels albeit with AWD. Having driven all versions of the F-Type and being a XKR cab owner i think AWD for the V8 is the way to go, not so sure about the V6 versions. The performance on the manuals (and CO2) look a bit steady against a Boxster let alone a 991. Lovely car though.
the pits 20 November 2014

The manual rises from the grave!

So the last manual sports car on earth will be a Jaguar.

Brilliant move by Jaguar, a company more traditionally associated with autos. This is glorious two fingers to the marketing morons who have been killing off the manual against the wishes of millions.

I have never wanted an F-type more.