Jaguar F-Type 4WD under development; Prototypes spied

Jaguar’s ever growing F-Type family will soon have a new all-wheel drive model. Alongside the convertible, the coupe, the R coupe and the upcoming GT3 version, Jaguar will also sell the F-Type with an all-wheel drive configuration which will allow the two-seater sports car to rival the Audi R8 and the Porsche 911 Carrera 4.

Auto Express UK has managed to snag a couple of on-test prototypes, in coupe and convertible forms. Wearing heavy camouflage over the front-end, both the cars reportedly are seen with a prominent hump in the bonnet. Now this is something which is not seen on the current F-Type.

The redesigned bonnet has led us to believe that Jaguar has repositioned the mounting points for the existing V6 and V8 supercharged engines. By doing so, Jaguar engineers have been able to put in a front differential and drive shafts underneath the engine.

With all-wheel drive assistance, the F-Type will boast of genuine all-weather performance, much like the R8 and the Carrera 4S all-wheel drive sports cars. Though putting all-wheel drive hardware will add to the overall weight of the car, superior traction off the line will ensure quicker acceleration times.

Jaguar already makes all-wheel drive versions of its existing range including the XF and the XJ. However, the production and sales are restricted to cold-weather markets like North America and Russia. It is highly unlikely, then, that Jaguar will consider bringing the all-wheel drive F-Type to India.