JAGUAR F-TYPE R COUPE

The all-aluminium Jaguar F-Type Coupé - the most dynamically capable, performance-focused sports car that Jaguar has ever produced - is available in three versions: F-Type R, F-Type S and the F-Type.

The range-topping Jaguar F-Type R Coupé is powered by Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in 550PS/680Nm tune, delivering acceleration to 60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph (electronically limited).

The F-Type S Coupé and F-Type Coupé are powered by Jaguar's 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engines in 380PS/460Nm and 340PS/450Nm forms respectively, giving 0-60mph in 4.8/5.1-seconds and top speeds of 171/161mph.

The Jaguar F-Type Coupé embodies the uncompromised design vision of the stunning Jaguar C-X16 concept sports coupé that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, its dramatic cabin-rearward stance being defined by three heartlines. The first two heartlines - shared with F-Type Convertible - form the muscular front and rear wings, the third heartline being the sweeping Coupé roof profile which provides an unbroken silhouette while emphasising the visual drama of the tapered cabin sitting between powerful rear haunches.

"The F-Type Coupé provides its driver with a unique sports car experience. It combines seductive design with cutting-edge technology and performance which is truly breathtaking. Engaging, precise, intuitive and alive - it is the definitive sports Coupé." Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar's expertise in aluminium technology has enabled the design vision for the F-Type Coupé to be delivered in a lightweight yet extremely strong bodyshell. Torsional rigidity for all F-Type Coupé variants is 33,000 Nm/degree - greater than in any previous production Jaguar - this rigidity providing the basis for excellent dynamic attributes.

The F-Type Coupé's body side is made from a single-piece aluminium pressing, probably the most extreme cold-formed aluminium body side in the automotive industry, eliminating the requirement for multiple panels and cosmetic joints. The roof panel itself is available in either aluminium or panoramic glass form. A deployable rear spoiler sits within the tapered shut-line of the F-Type Coupé, while slim, wrap-around LED lamps flank a beautifully engineered tailgate, with optional powered open/close functionality.

To deliver assured, progressive handling in line with its 550PS output, the range-topping Jaguar F-Type R Coupé features a bespoke suspension set-up and new dynamic technologies. These include a second-generation Electronic Active Differential (EAD) and - for the first time on a Jaguar - Torque Vectoring by braking, these systems working in parallel to provide immediacy of response and exploitable handling. The EAD system automatically redistributes engine torque between the rear wheels to ensure excellent on-the-limit control, while Torque Vectoring by braking intelligently applies precisely metered braking force to the inner wheels as necessary during cornering to enhance agility. Sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics damping and Configurable Dynamic Mode further enhance the F-Type R's immediacy of response, providing an exhilarating and involving driving experience.

F-Type R and F-Type S Coupé models also have the option of Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes which offer absolute consistency of performance and excellent fade resistance, as well as a total unsprung-weight saving of 21kg.

Every F-Type Coupé model utilises Jaguar's eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift transmission which is optimised for sporting performance, with full manual sequential control from the central SportShift selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The F-Type Coupé range complements the existing three-car F-Type Convertible model line-up; the V6-engined F-Type (340PS) and F-Type S (380PS), and the 495PS F-Type V8 S.

DESIGN AND STRUCTURE

Visual appeal is fundamental to Jaguar and, as such, the F-Type Coupé is immediately recognisable, building on the design of the stunning C-X16 concept sports Coupé and the F-Type Convertible - winner of the 2013 'World Car Design of the Year' award.

"Creating a sports Coupé is the purest of design tasks, and also the most challenging; get it right and aesthetically the result will be as dynamic as the car should be rewarding to drive. In F-Type Coupé, I believe we've got it right. The purity of the C-X16 concept has been retained without compromise; the F-Type Coupé's long bonnet, low roofline and tapering cabin inspire me every time I see it." Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The F-Type Coupé visual message is defined by three key 'heartlines', that visual message beginning with the formidable grille. It is from the twin 'shark gill' openings that sit either side of the grille that the essential first heartline - which mirrors the design of the F-Type Convertible - flows and begins to take shape. Running up through the headlamp, and accentuated by the LED 'J blade' daylight running lamps, the line then arcs up over the front wheelarch before dropping elegantly as it runs through the door, washing out into the muscular rear haunch.

The Coupé's second heartline, also shared with the Convertible, begins at the rear edge of the door, swelling outwards and upwards to create a visually strong wheelarch, emphasising the car's rear-wheel drive layout, before dropping vertically through the tail lamp.

The third heartline forms the Coupé's dramatic, cabin-rearward, sweeping roof profile. Providing an unbroken silhouette, it highlights the visual drama of the tapered cabin nestled between the powerful rear haunches. The distinctive side window graphic, finished as standard in bright aluminium, accentuates both the compactness of the car and the roof profile.

Jaguar's expertise in aluminium vehicle architecture has been essential in enabling both the F-Type Coupé's uncompromised design aesthetic, while delivering the fundamental dynamic attributes - essential to any sports car - of low mass and an extremely rigid body. Measuring 33,000 Nm/degree, the F-Type Coupé is the most torsionally rigid production car Jaguar has ever built.

A fundamental requirement for excellent dynamic attributes, delivering that rigidity figure required some innovative engineering solutions in order to maximise strength without impacting on the design vision. Due to the lack of B-pillars, Jaguar's engineers were presented with the challenge of keeping the design's sleek, pillarless, low roofline - combined with the need to create the optimum amount of interior space - while still achieving the necessary rigidity and strength targets. The solution was a high-strength, hydro-formed aluminium alloy beam which runs from the front of the A-pillar through to the back of the D-pillar, through the door opening line and back to the rear quarter window.

The F-Type Coupé is available with either aluminium or panoramic glass roof panels that are bonded into the main roof structure - torsional rigidity is identical regardless of which roof is fitted.

The F-Type Coupé's dramatic body sides are single-piece aluminium pressings - probably the most extreme cold-formed aluminium body side outer panels in the automotive industry. These exceptionally deep-draw aluminium pressings have totally eliminated the requirement for joints in the panel surface. The body side panel is fabricated from high-strength and formable AC600 aluminium, which has also been used for structural reinforcement - both engineering firsts for Jaguar. The use of AC300 T61 aluminium in the body structure of the car provides additional strength thanks to its energy absorbing properties, ensuring maximum occupant protection.

In order to achieve the required aesthetic at the rear of the car, the F-Type Coupé features a hidden rear spoiler that sits within the tapered shut-line of the tailgate, and rises at speed in order to balance front and rear lift. The spoiler automatically rises at 70mph and lowers when the speed drops below 50mph, reducing lift by up to 120kg.

The width of the tail is emphasised by the slim, full-LED lamps that wrap all the way around the wings almost to the trailing edge of the rear wheelarches. These lamps feature hidden-until-lit technology, appearing solid until one of their functions is activated. The F-Type Coupé also features a 'ribbon of light' LED high-mounted stop light, which is hidden at the top of the beautifully engineered tailgate. The tailgate, available with powered open/close functionality, is made from composite materials, the boot-volume itself being up to 407-litres.

Aluminium forms a significant part of Jaguar's commitment to sustainability with up to half the content of the body coming from recycled metal. In addition, the F-Type Coupé's structure is exclusively riveted and bonded - this manufacturing process emits up to 80% less CO2 compared to that from welding a comparable steel structure. Jaguar is also rolling out its closed-loop aluminium recycling system to its suppliers, ensuring all offcuts of metal from the manufacturing process are reused.