Jag Has to Make Up Its Mind

As it is right now, the Jaguar F-Type is one of the best sports cars out there. Jaguar plans to build the current model for three more years or so before moving on to a new version of the car. With that said, the company has some novel ideas for the next F-Type, according to the company’s CEO. He spoke to Autocar about the options.

The first idea is to keep the F-Type a gasoline car and make the next version of the car a kind of last hoorah for the gasoline-engined F-Type. This option would likely take the current car to new heights offering a bigger engine with more horsepower and an even better exhaust note than the current car. That would satisfy many people who love gasoline vehicles and current F-Type owners.

The second option is to go an all-electric route. If the company decided to go this route, the machine would be a true performer, too, though different. It would lack the growl of the former gasoline F-Type and usher in a new era for the sports car. 

The CEO Ian Callum said performance isn’t the issue for the electric version of the car. “The kick from an electric car is quite beguiling, and if you adapt your mindset to enjoying that … it’s every bit as enjoyable as a V8- engined car in many respects.”

What he seemed a bit apprehensive on was the range. He said the issue would be getting the right amount of range and adding in the batteries to do it. “I see that as an interesting challenge, not an insurmountable one,” he said. He also said that he recognizes battery technology will be much more advanced by the time three years rolls around. 

It’ll be interesting to see which way the company goes. We’d love to see one last gasoline-powered F-Type, but also understand the exciting prospect of an all-electric car. We’re as torn as Jaguar on this one.