2018 Jaguar F-Type revealed

If the squint-then-squint-harder exterior changes of the facelifted Jaguar F-Type are anything to go by, the Brit coupe still looks to be feline fine entering its fifth year on sale.

Fresh LED headlights debut in the 2018 model year, along with new bumpers featuring “bolder surfaces and simpler forms with discreet signature features subtly enhancing the front end form.” Right, then.

Bigger news comes in the form of an F-Type 400 Sport launch edition that pumps power of the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine from 280kW to 294kW and is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive form only with an eight-speed automatic.

Torque stays pegged at 460Nm but the 0-100km/h claim falls by two-tenths to 4.9 seconds.

Jaguar also claims the F-Type S-based 400 Sport scores an “uprated chassis” with standard mechanical rear limited-slip differential, multi-mode suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and 380mm front/376mm rear brakes stamped with the launch edition’s nameplate.

The company has worked to provide greater differentiation between carry-over models, with the 400 Sport coming in above the 250kW/450Nm base V6 and 280kW/460Nm V6 S, but below the 405kW/680Nm R and 423kW/700Nm SVO.

Fresh dashboard surfacing greets the cabin, the seats have been slimmed down and a new infotainment system debuts a ReRunn app that mates separately mounted GoPro camera footage with information and statistics from the F-Type in real time.

Those looking for a cheaper entry into the convertible and coupe range, which currently starts locally from $119,545 plus on-road costs, may have to wait until the Geneva motor show in March when turbocharged four-cylinder versions are strongly rumoured to be revealed – and will be ready to tackle the four-pot Porsche Boxster and Cayman.

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