The much anticipated Jaguar F-Pace made its debut at Frankfurt and will be in showrooms in the first half of 2016. It promises to be a top seller. There have been many new models critical to jaguar’s success, but relatively few which branched off into a totally new market. That is the role of the aptly named F-Pace, Jaguar’s first and only, to date, SUV which fills a hole in a growing market segment. Concept C-X17s have been around for a few years, and final styling is almost identical, but in truth the C-X17s shown around the world were not engineering concepts, and to develop the engineering capabilities of an SUV, blended with Jaguar’s ride and performance levels, set Jaguar a totally different set of challenges.
However, it has happened and the F-Pace was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It is not a Land Rover or Range Rover, and features technology designed to ensure it is the most rewarding driver’s car of its kind. It is built with chassis dynamics technology adapted from the acclaimed F-Type sports car, and is offered with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system which delivers torque-on-demand. Jaguar’s Vehicle Integrity team, led by Chief Engineer Mike Cross, developed programmes designed to ensure the new F-Pace offers an unrivalled breadth of dynamic ability. “We haven’t made any compromises or exceptions: the new F-Pace must be a true Jaguar and deliver the Jaguar dynamics DNA”, he said.
“We’ve tested its ride and handling to extremities in all environments and in all conditions, and the result is that the new F-Pace is as engaging and rewarding to drive as it is going to be enjoyable to own. As soon as you get into the vehicle you know immediately that it’s a great place to be.” It is manufactured using Jaguar’s lightweight aluminium architecture, which will enable the new performance crossover to handle with precision and control, yet without sacrificing ride comfort. Taking full advantage of the structure’s inherently high stiffness, the sophisticated double wishbone front suspension and Integral Link rear suspension provide the best possible starting point: they make the F-Pace incredibly responsive yet ensure that the impacts, undulations and cambers of even the most challenging roads are handled with ease. Electric power-assisted steering maintains Jaguar’s leadership in steering. The first drive programmes commence within months, and reports will be compulsory reading.
