BOLD RIDE
First it was rumors, then a very convincing concept car, then spy shots of a production car in development, but now we finally have the fully revealed Jaguar SUV that we’ve been waiting for. It is called the Jaguar F-Pace, and the British automaker put on quite the show to celebrate its launch.
Influenced by Leading Jaguar Designs
The F-Pace is a new naming convention for Jaguar, but borrows the “F” part from the F-Type coupe. As such, the F-Type-inspired front grille and LED design are met by a similarly inspired cabin. Jaguar says the dash design is influenced by the thrilling coupe and convertible, while the exterior takes cues from the C-X17 Crossover Concept.
Power of Three
Under the Sculpted hood, you can get one of three available engines; two supercharged 3.0-liter V6s and a diesel-fueled inline-4. The base V6 makes 340 horsepower, while the uprated version delivers 380 hp. The latter will get the F-Pace from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. A diesel-fueled inline-four is coming later in 2016.
Handles Like a Car, Grips Like an SUV
Being a Jaguar, it has a performance-minded double-wishbone suspension in the front and integral multi-link in the rear. This is a setup more common with a performance sedan. But the F-Pace combines that with equipment for any kind of road condition. The AWD system features torque-on-demand and can send power to the wheels that need it in milliseconds. It also features Jaguar’s Adaptive Surface Response, or AdSR.
It will automatically modify the throttle response, transmission mapping and the dynamic stability control for a number of driving environments. According to Jaguar, it features three modes: “One for low-traction surfaces such as snow and ice, one for medium-traction surfaces such as wet tarmac or gravel and a third mode for high-drag conditions such as deep snow and deep gravel.”
Well Travelled, Already
Before it made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Jaguar brought the F-Pace all over the world for extreme conditions testing. It has been to the Jaguar Land Rover proving grounds in Arjeplog, Sweden, where temperatures can get to negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It has also traveled to Dubai, where temps can reach 122 degrees.
High-Tech Jag
We’ll have plenty more time to dig into the tech on this Jaguar SUV, but when it comes to informing the driver, and keeping all occupants safe, the F-Pace delivers. The optional InControl Touch Pro infotainment system include a 10.2-inch touch navigation screen, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, and a laser head-up display.
This HUD can bring the driver vehicle speed, crucial vehicle status updates, as well as road info like speed limits. The system uses lasers to project the image on the windshield for more vivid graphics for the driver.
The F-Pace also features a concert of cameras that help construct a 3D model of the road ahead, including obstacles. It employs this model for the autonomous emergency braking system. The F-Pace also features an available wi-fi hotspot system that can host up to eight devices.
Jaguar Activity Key
Jaguar also announced the debut of the Activity Key, which is basically a wearable version of your key fob. It is waterproof so you can take it running in the rain or surfing, and don’t have to worry about bringing keys along on that long hike. It also has no battery, and owners don’t have to worry about charging it.
World-Record Launch
The features and technology of the F-Pace could stand on its own, but Jaguar decided to eschew the traditionally understated brand of British pomp and circumstance, in favor of something seriously impressive. To celebrate F-Pace unveiling, as well as the brand’s 80th birthday, Jaguar had stunt driver Terry Grant do execute a 19.08 meter-tall loop-de-loop. He nailed it, enduring 6.5G and breaking a Guinness World Record for largest loop:
“F” Stands for “Financially Savvy”
Compared to the growing market of luxury SUVs, the F-Pace sounds like a pretty solid deal. The 340-horsepower V6 model will start at $42,390, 380-horsepower V6 variant costs $56,700. When the diesel model joins the lineup in 2016, it will be the most affordable, at $40,990.
The gas V6 versions of the F-Pace are set to go on sale in the spring of 2016.
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