Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for November 20, 2014

Jaguar F-TYPE: AWD and a Manual Transmission

by 2 Comments

Jag sports car receives important enhancements.

Jaguar F-TYPE

If you want to be taken seriously as a high-performance sports car there are two options you must offer. The first is a manual transmission. The second is all-wheel drive. Certainly, the manual is of greater importance — all-wheel drive isn’t critical, but it is nice to have.

The Jaguar F-TYPE has lacked both attributes since its introduction for the 2014 model year. Currently, power is sent to the rear wheels by means of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The F-TYPE is a beautiful and capable beast in its own right, but beginning in 2016 its two major deficiencies will be eliminated.

2016 Jaguar F-TYPE

At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show this week, Jaguar unveiled the 2016 edition of its latest sports car. The 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE will offer standard all-wheel drive with its R models, enabling it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The sports car’s top speed will be limited to 186 mph.

Jaguar says that all-wheel drive will be optional for S models and the six-speed manual transmission will be available with rear-wheel drive V-6 powered models only. Electric power steering is also new to the line.

As before, a supercharged V-6 engine coupled with rear-wheel drive is standard. F-TYPE R Coupe and Convertible models will have the supercharged V-8 engine, all-wheel drive and the eight-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is rated 340 horsepower and 332 foot-pounds of torque. The V-8 S is rated 495 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. The top-of-the-line V-8 R makes 550 horsepower and 502 foot-pounds of twist.

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

In providing a six-speed manual transmission, Jaguar acknowledges that there is still a core group of drivers that prefer to work the gearbox themselves. Jaguar says of the transmission that it features a short-throw gear lever, closely-spaced ratios and well-placed pedals for heel-and-toe changes. Consider these changes were made to help keep Jaguar faithful from being lured by the likes of Porsche to the 911 or Cayman.

Other changes to the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE include new dials and gauges in the instrument cluster, an upgraded infotainment system with improved connectivity and telematics functions, a related smartphone app that adjusts climate control and an automatic crash notification feature.

Jaguar will also up the standard feature quotient with the 2016 F-TYPE. All models receive keyless entry, 14-way power adjustable seats, a 770-watt audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio. Coupe models also will have a standard panoramic glass roof and R Coupe models gain a power tailgate. All S models will see changes to the driving mode and the addition of a new flat-bottomed steering wheel.

All-Wheel Drive With Dynamics

The Jaguar’s all-wheel drive system will feature Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), representing an in-house designed control system networked with the powertrain, rear differential and center coupling to optimize torque distribution. IDD will work in tandem with the sports car’s stability control system. The AWD system will provide better handling under a number of driving conditions to include: normal, rain/ice/snow and dynamic modes.

About IDD Russ Varney, Vehicle Program Director, Sports Cars, Jaguar said, “IDD allows us to provide ‘Instinctive All Wheel Drive’ – only delivering torque to the front wheels when it’s required to enhance traction. That means we get great steering precision and the efficiency of a rear-drive car, but with additional traction via the front wheels precisely delivered to match the driver’s demand, the road surface and the driving situation.”

Electric Power Assisted Steering

The all-new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system reflects years of internal research and development work. Jaguar says that its work has paid off in a system that provides immediate response and a connected feel. It replaces the long-used hydraulic power assistance system for a more energy efficient system.

Pricing and additional model details will be provided in 2015 closer to the F-TYPE’s 2016 model year release date.

Photo courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

Recent Articles

Volvo Intends to Stay, Thrive in the US

Refreshed Ford Explorer Boasts New EcoBoost Engine

Juked: 2016 Mazda CX-5

Honda Debuts FCV Concept Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

Volvo Intends to Stay, Thrive in the US

by 3 Comments

At the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Routinely, automotive journalists and analysts look at the industry’s smaller players and posit whether these manufacturers will stay around. In recent years Daihatsu, Isuzu, Suzuki and Saab have exited, leaving people guessing whether Mitsubishi, Mazda or Volvo might join them.

Volvo, however, will have none of that. They’ve been saying that they are staying and at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday they backed up those words with more details.

Reviving its US Presence

Specifically, Volvo says that it intends to revive its US sales and it will do so by renewing its entire product range within the next five years. Volvo has also promised to place a new focus on its dealer network, its management team and spend more money on marketing. Notably, the Swedish automaker plans to update its engine line and expand its safety technologies.

Volvo XC90.
The all-new Volvo XC90.
Volvo also acknowledged that it is currently in the midst of a ten-year drop in US sales. For 2014, Volvo expects to sell 60,000 units stateside. but even before its product line expansion is finished the company expects to sell approximately 100,000 cars annually in the United States. Right now, Volvo is reporting strong sales in Western Europe as well as in China.

“Volvo is in the US to stay. Not only will we stay, we will prosper,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “We have a plan and we are implementing it. We sold over 100,000 cars a year in the US in the past. Our initial aim is to get back to that level and in the longer term surpass it.”

Five Volvo Elements

Volvo also identified five elements that are key to its US revival plans and they are:

1. A full renewal of Volvo’s product range is underway and will be completed within five years. The renewal has begun with the all-new XC90 and V60 Cross Country.

2. Brand strengthening will take place as the company plans to double its marketing budget in the next year.

3. Volvo says it will develop its dealer network in a bid to ensure that it has the infrastructure in place to support both brand development and new products.

4. The company plans to protect buyers’ residual values and maintain Volvo’s premium status in the process.

5. Volvo intends to improve its service operations by both ensuring that the dealer network is profitable and by delivering service quality that owners expect.

(See Also —- Isuzu, Toyota Part Ways…Sort Of)

Volvo XC60 Cross Country

The company says that it will meet its goals through its new management team and with new technologies, including Drive-E, representing its latest engine line. Volvo will also continue to lead in safety and connectivity.

The Volvo XC60 Cross Country debuts to American and Canadian customers first. This tall wagon is powered by a 250-horsepower five-cylinder engine and has a ground clearance 2.6 inches higher than the standard V60. Volvo says that the Cross Country is for people that demand all-weather capability, a sporty drive and the latest safety features. Indeed, the Cross Country comes with standard hill descent control, what maintains the vehicle’s speed when driving down steep inclines.

All-new Volvo XC90

Where the Volvo XC60 Cross Country builds on an existing model, the Volvo XC90 is all new. It is also the first model to reflect Volvo’s updated fascia with a more prominent iron mark and T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. This model comes with a larger hood, more powerful shoulders and distinctive beltline characteristics. Its rear fascia is marked by tattoo-like rear lights.

The top-of-the-range XC90 Twin Engine is outfitted with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine. It also has an electric motor, combining for nearly 400 horsepower. Drivers can switch to electric-only mode and drive for approximately 26 miles for pure electric drive. Also available is a T6 engine with a supercharger and a turbocharger, making 320 horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the model line.

Winning the Battle

Volvo certainly has a battle on its hands in a bid to grow its presence in the ultra-competitive US market. It just might take Thor bringing his hammer down to give this premium, niche manufacturer a real fighting chance.

Photo courtesy of Volvo North America.

Recent Articles

Juked: 2016 Mazda CX-5

Honda Debuts FCV Concept Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

Toyota Mirai: Fuel Cell Future Realized

Track Star: Cadillac ATS-V.R Race Car