A Closer Look at the 2020 Jaguar F-type
Probably the biggest news about the 2020 Jaguar F-type is that it won’t have a manual gearbox. Jaguar has decided to offer only 8-speed automatic transmissions in the 2020 model year. This is a disappointment for drivers looking forward to stick shift driving, but the truth is that only four percent of F-type buyers have selected the 6-speed manual transmissions since the F-type was introduced in 2013. Most drivers prefer automatic transmissions and Jaguar has gone with the flow for the F-type 2020 model in the United States.
The good news is that the 2020 F-type is available in Coupe and Convertible styles, and the new F-type Checkered Flag edition is offered with special interior and exterior detailing. For all, Jaguar offers several online Shopping Tools for prospective owners. It’s possible to request a quote, book a test drive, or simply as for email notices to keep informed about what’s happening with the 2020 F-types.
The coup is offered at a base MSRP starting at $61,600. It comes with a 4-cylinder, turbocharged automatic engine with a top speed of 155 mph. The 12-way electric sports seats come in grained leather, which is a nice touch. As with all models, the company offers a Build Your Own option which allows drivers to select the body style and then add different engine types and other features to customize their vehicle. Both all-wheel and rear-wheel drive are offered, depending on the selected engine.
The Checkered Flag coupe is offered at a base MSRP starting at $71,900, but it has the same basic specifications as the standard coup. Where it differs is the luxury details, which reference Jaguar’s impeccable sports-car history. These include Checkered Flag front and rear badging, carpet mats, heated steering wheel, and embossed performance seats. There are red highlights as accents throughout. It’s available in Carpathian Gray, Fuji White, and Caldera Red exterior colors. The exterior trim is classic black, and the coupes come with a contrasting color roof.
Three other coupe editions, the R-Dynamic, the R, and SVR, are being offered starting at $84,300, $101,800, and $123,600 respectively. The R-Dynamic features a top speed of 171mph, the R features a top speed of 186mph, and the SRV tops out at 200mph.
The 2020 F-type convertibles are available in the same model designations as the coupe, but offered in slightly higher price points, beginning at MSRP of $64,700 for the basic convertible and ranging up to MSRP of $126,700 for the SVR convertible edition. The top speeds are slightly higher as well, ranging from 155mph for the standard convertible up to 195mph for the SVR convertible.
Jaguar offers high torque levels for all speeds in the powerful engines which have made the company famous. This is true for the varied body styles and different models. The engines are turbocharged for strong performance. Innovative technologies, such as the valve lift control which is not only continuously variable but includes an E-wastegate, make for refined engine performance.
The standard F-type is available with 4-cylinder automatic engines, but there is an option to upgrade to two V6 engines. A burst of power upon acceleration is achieved with a compact supercharger that employs boost control and a secondary throttle valve. This 340 hp engine can achieve 0 to 60 mph in a very quick 5.1 seconds. It generates 332 pound-feet of torque. Selecting the 380 hp engine will provide increased performance and faster acceleration time. What’s truly nice, is that Jaguar offers the option of selecting from the different engine types available.
New technologies offered are the Meridian audio system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. All three are available on all the 2020 F-type models. The dash includes the standard 10.0-inches of touchscreen infotainment system every F-type. There are extra charges for the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are many charging ports and additional outlets. A 12-volt outlet and two USB ports are included.
In terms of safety, there’s no back seat and this means that young children cannot ride safely in the F-type. There are forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking as standard features, however. Lane-departure warning is standard. So is the lane-keeping assist. But drivers can pay extra for the blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the self-parking assist features.
Jaguar’s warranty includes complimentary maintenance, warranty on the powertrain, and limited warranty for 5 years or up to 60,000 miles. The lengthy coverage is excellent and speaks highly of Jaguar’s marketplace position.
Overall, the Jaguar’s interior cabin is not roomy, but its leather seats make for a comfortable ride, and the legroom is generous. The cargo area is also limited. While the sports car will be fun to drive, it doesn’t have enough space to carry much more than perhaps a small piece of luggage. Ultimately, the 2020 F-type Jaguars have kept the signature wider rear haunch and stylish long front hood owners have loved for years while designing with an eye toward the future.
