Jaguar creates F-Type rally cars

A popular and successful road car, the XK 120 was also rallied with some success in the 1950s, including outright wins in the pan-European Tulip Rally (1951) and RAC Rally of Great Britain (1953). An XK 120 also completed the tough Alpine Rally three years in succession from 1950.

The pair of F-Type tributes use design touches already explored on the F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition (see lead News item) and have also been mechanically worked over by Jaguar Design and Engineering. The modifications meet FIA specification, so, theoretically, these F-Types could compete in international rallying events.

Based on the 221kW 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder F-Type convertible, the rally-inspired modifications start with the addition of a full roll cage and competition seats with six-point harnesses. Upgrades to the brakes consist of adding four-piston calipers to the front and rear grooved discs, while the wheels are “motorsport spec”, fitted with tyres specifically designed for use on gravel.

The factory suspension has been replaced with hand-built dampers and softer springs for more compliance on rough ground, with three-way adjustability allowing the suspension to be tuned for different surfaces.

A limited slip differential is another addition to suit loose surfaces, while a hydraulic handbrake allows more precise cornering on tight bends. Finishing touches include an in-cabin fire extinguisher system, lightweight carbon fibre door trims and a bonnet-mounted light pod.

“The opportunity to design a rally car doesn’t come along very often so I was fascinated to see how we could take our modern day sports car to a similar character,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. Following some serious shakedown testing in South Wales this past November - on the Walters Arena stage used in this year’s Rally GB –  the F-Type rally cars will be showcased at Jaguar events throughout the remainder of this year and into 2019.