These are the latest spy images of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 Jaguar F-type roadster caught testing at the Nurburgring.
Despite the V8 powerplant, the first version won’t be badged as the F-type R.
The decision leaves a gap in the F-type range to go even higher on the performance scale, a move previously hinted at by Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark.
The initial launch engine for the F-type will be a new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with 375bhp and 332lb ft. It is possible that the supercharged V8 could also be offered from launch, but Jaguar is understood to be keen to space out the launch of various F-type versions to keep interest in the model high.
Test mules of the V8 have now been spotted alongside the V6. The V8 is distinguished by its quad exhaust pipes; the V6 has dual pipes.
There is no indication yet of the blown V8’s power output in the F-type. This engine is used in 503bhp form in the XF, XJ and XK, but Jaguar is unlikely to give the F-type such a high figure initially to keep distance between it and the larger XK.
That would also allow Jaguar to offer the engine in the higher state of tune at a later date in an R-spec model. Given the success of the XKR-S, it’s conceivable that an F-type R-S could also be launched as a rival to the Porsche 911 GT3.
