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• Jaguar contemplating the powertrain for its next-generation F-Type.
• F-Type could see a name change to EV (Electric Vehicle).
• Jaguar heavily invested in an electric future.
• For more motoring stories, go to https://www.wheels24.co.za/
In 2019, Jaguar announced that it would axe the XJ sedan from its line-up. It happened, but almost as quickly it was announced that a new XJ is on the cards. This time as an electric vehicle to sit atop of the Coventry-based product line-up.
In May, Wheels24 reported that the British automaker is rumoured to consider either axing its XF or XE sedan, or to merge the two cars into one car; a hatchback.
For the last several years, Jaguar has shifted its focus to electrification, with the I-Pace the first vehicle to come from those plans.
Now, though, Jaguar is reportedly considering the next plan of action for its F-Type sports car, and whether it should electrify the range or continue with the internal combustion engine.
2020 Jaguar F-Type (Jaguar Media)
An electric future
In 2019, then-design director at Jaguar, Ian Callum, revealed to Autocar: "We're asking ourselves if it should be a final hurrah for the old-school sports car that we know and love, or switching now to make our first all-electric sports car. It's a very difficult decision. What I will say is that the electric decision is looking more interesting with time."
Using the I-Pace as a case study, Jaguar is on an exciting course towards the future. By bringing the world's first electric SUV to market, it could gauge the vehicle's performance in terms of sale, as well as how it stacks up to conventional rivals.
Also in 2019, Jaguar and BMW entered into a partnership that will see the two automakers work together on their next-generation of cars, including electric offerings. Jaguar's future, then, is dedicated to electrification. And while the next F-Type is still a few years away, it would be unwise of Jaguar not to consider electrifying its sports car.
Autocar rendered what a successor to the F-Type might look like (Autocar)
Would electrification be the right choice?
Back in 2010, Jaguar revealed its C-X75 - an electric sports car that never came to fruition. Since then, the F-Type came to market and impressed with its all-round capabilities as a pure-bred sports car. When it came to market in 2013, it reminded strongly of the legendary E-Type that enchanted in the 1960s and 70s.
In 2020, the F-Type underwent a significant overhaul, especially in terms of design, but the engine line-up remained unchanged. In the next few years, a new F-Type will see the light, but how its future will look is still a mystery.
READ: 'Despite its price, it deserved to win' - Debunking why the I-Pace is the 2020 SA Car of the Year
Purists will call for Jaguar to continue with the internal combustion engine, whereas futurists will opt for an electric drivetrain. Giving a greater insight to what the future holds for the F-Type, Jaguar filed a trademark for 'EV-Type', hinting that the next generation of the F-Type might not just be electric, but also see a new name (EV = electric vehicle).
Callum adds: "The performance capabilities of an electric car are not an issue. The kick from an electric car is quite beguiling, and if you adapt your mindset to enjoying that - driving slower into corners but getting the thump when you hit the throttle earlier - it's every bit as enjoyable as a V8- engined car in many respects."
Also, we shouldn't be too surprised if Jaguar opts for a hybrid powertrain.
One thing is sure, though: Jaguar will not cut the F-Type from its line-up, regardless of the form it should take in future.
2020 Jaguar F-Type (Jaguar Media)
