Jaguar is making significant strides towards electrification as summer draws to a close. Brand officials have announced that within the next three years, every model offered by the company will feature an electrified variant. This range will cover all vehicles, including those from its sister brand, Range Rover, and Jaguar’s own sporty F-Type.
The British automaker has also confirmed that a successor to the current F-Type is in the works, and it is set to debut with a hybrid powertrain. According to Automotive News, the next generation of the F-Type is anticipated to arrive in 2020. This timeline provides Jaguar a few years to refine a more advanced engine and develop a distinctive design, as discussed by Jaguar’s design leader, Ian Callum.
In an interview, Callum shared his thoughts on the current automotive landscape, stating, “Many people believe that sports cars are losing relevance because SUVs can navigate corners as quickly as sports cars, thanks to modern technology. However, there’s an emotional connection to sports cars that exemplifies peak performance and design.”
A vocal advocate for automotive passion, Callum reassured fans that even as the brand transitions toward electric vehicles and hybrid models, there will still be a future for V8 engines.
“We plan to introduce a new lineup of sports cars eventually,” the Jaguar Land Rover chief explained. “[Sports cars] are not disappearing any time soon.”
Since its launch in 2013, the F-Type has undergone a series of updates, including various performance versions and the latest addition, a four-cylinder model with 296 horsepower. Jaguar aims to attract a broad audience with this model while maintaining a focus on a sport-oriented driving experience. To date, over 45,000 units have been sold within its four-year lifespan, with 27,000 of those sold in 2017 alone.
More information about the upcoming generation of the F-Type is expected to be released within the year, although the launch is not anticipated until 2020. The new model will likely integrate technology shared across the Jaguar Land Rover lineup, yet it is expected to remain at the forefront of the brand’s latest technological advancements.
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