[size=medium]The Jaguar F-Type Is Getting a Major Facelift with Some Radical Changes[/size]
[size=x-small]By DANIEL GOLSON | MAY 20, 2019[/size]
Although almost all of it is covered in a swirly camo wrap, we can see a number of details on this F-type R coupe that set it apart from current F-types. (We know it's an R because of the quad exhaust tips.) Everything ahead of the A-pillars looks to be totally new given the different front fender/bumper cutlines, which are more horizontal than before. While they're almost completely covered up, it looks like the F-type is trading its tall headlights for very slim units reminiscent of those found on other Jags like the I-Pace, which would be a major design change for the model. A sticker that creates a fake cutline is placed above the actual bumper cut to make it seem like this prototype still has taller lights. Look closely, and you can see the outline of the actual lights and the creases that run above and below the lights to create definition.
The grille has the same classic rounded shape with a central bar through it, but the design of the mesh pattern is new. There are also reshaped intakes on each side of the grille that look more angular than before, and the front splitter is slightly different. It also seems like the hood is smoother than the current car's, although there could be a panel covering up the actual design. The only other changes we can see is are at the rear, where the car is getting a redesigned license-plate area and taillights with squared off lower graphics like those on the refreshed XE.
We don't know anything else about this upcoming F-type refresh beyond what we can see here, but that won't stop us from speculating. Jaguar Land Rover recently introduced a brand-new turbocharged and hybridized inline-six engine on a few Range Rover models, with the new six supplanting the existing supercharged V-6. If it fits in the F-type—and given how long the F-type's hood is, we bet it will—we think it's possible the straight-six will replace the V-6 in Jag's sports car, too. Don't expect a manual transmission, as that option was already killed from the V-6 this year and likely hasn't been engineered to work with the straight-six. The base turbocharged four-cylinder and top-end supercharged V-8 engines should remain, as will the all-wheel-drive system that is standard on some F-types and optional on others. The car should receive a number of tech updates to keep it feeling fresh and modern, and the interior could see big changes as well.
There is a chance that what you see here is actually a mule for the next-generation F-type, but we don't think that's likely. All of the new styling elements seen here look extremely production-ready, and there's nothing about this car that indicates it's a test mule using a new platform or powertrain. Ian Callum, Jag's head of design, has all but confirmed a next-gen F-type, but that would be at least a few years away (the next-gen car could get a four-seat layout and/or become an electric car). This facelifted F-type could be revealed as soon as this summer, likely going on sale as a 2021 model.
