Jaguar F-type coupe later this year
* Production coupe to be unveiled this year * Manual gearbox confirmed * Hardcore R-S models in the pipeline...
Jaguar will show the production version of the F-type coupe later this year, most likely at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
Jaguar has also confirmed that it will offer a manual gearbox, although we dont expect it to arrive until early 2014.
We understand that R-S engine mapping has already been completed for both the V6 and V8 engines, suggesting that even more powerful F-type versions are in the pipeline.
Jaguar is unlikely to run more than 488bhp in any production F-type model, but a hardcore, limited-edition rear-wheel-drive version based on the XKR-S GT shown in New York last month is possible.
The V6 F-type can accommodate four-wheel drive, and it may be offered as an option on a likely V6 R-S for certain overseas markets.
Any future R-S variant of the F-type would be developed by Jaguar Land Rover's specialist ETO (Engineered to Order) division and would probably feature bespoke suspension changes and carbonfibre body parts in addition to a retuned engine.
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