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Jaguar will not be building its coolest car, as it turns out; plans for a production E-Type Zero have been put on hiatus. But the company’s sexiest offering, the F-Type coupe, is receiving a just-announced facelift for the 2021 model year. Amazingly, the company took one of famed designer Ian Callum’s most celebrated designs and made it even more alluring.
On the exterior, the design maintains the general shape of the F-Type, but makes a few distinct visual tweaks. The new version receives slimmer, angrier-looking LED headlights and taillights. Jaguar enlarged the grille, which scores a new hexagonal mesh pattern. The new F-Type also features a new clamshell hood and vents, as well as a bolder front bumper. (Jaguar asserts that the surfaces are “softer and more organic than before — as if they were liquid metal,” whatever that means.)
Inside, the 2021 F-Type also receives some upgrades. There’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a 10-inch touchscreen. The car will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, as well as the capability for over-the-air software updates. Jaguar will also offer lightweight, slimline seats that come in “sport” and “performance” versions.
The trim lineup will be condensed a bit. There will be three engine options here in the United States: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 296 horsepower; a supercharged V6 with 380 hp; and a supercharged V8 with 575 horsepower. (Other markets get a 444-hp version of the V8 in lieu of the V6.) All will come with an active exhaust option. The six-speed manual, regrettably, is not offered anymore, so every car uses an eight-speed automatic.
If the price tag — a bit north of $60,000 to start — is a bit steep for you, well, good news: There is a Hot Wheels version, which purportedly made it through an incredibly convoluted track in one go.
