JAGUAR RELEASE ‘CHEQUERED FLAG’ F-TYPE

To mark 70 years since the release of the XK 120, Jaguar’s first sports car, a special version of the F-Type - the ‘Chequered Flag Limited Edition’ – has been released. Based on the R-Dynamic F-Type model grade and available in both coupe and convertible form, the Chequered Flag can also be had with three different engine specifications and carries a number of subtle interior and exterior design touches.

Power Trio

The F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition is available with either the 2.0-litre turbo four engine or the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 in two different output levels.

The 2.0-litre engine, along with all F-Type engines for 2019, has had particulate filters added to reduce emissions and meet Euro 6d regulations. As employed in the Chequered Flag F-Type, the 2.0 turbo produces 221kW and 400Nm from just 1500rpm, along with a 250km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds.

In the Chequered Flag, this turbo four is matched to a ‘Quickshift’ 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with the 6-speed manual not offered on the limited edition. The other engine options are the 250kW/450Nm and 280kW/460Nm versions of the supercharged 3.0-litre V6, both of which are offered with the Quickshift auto and rear-wheel drive, but the 280kW V6 can also be had with all-wheel drive.

Performance figures for the V6 variants start with a 5.7-second 0-100km/h time and 260km/h top speed for the 250kW version. The RWD 280kW V6 reaches 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and hits a 275km/h top speed, while the AWD 280kW V6 has the same top speed, but can do the 0-100km/h dash in 5.1-seconds. These figures are the same for both coupes and convertibles.

Fuel economy is as per the F-Type Dynamic, ranging from 7.9lt/100km for the 2.0 four up to 10.6lt/100km for the 3.0 V6.

Black Pack and Chequered Flags

The Chequered Flag F-Type Limited Edition carries a number of additional touches and subtle enhancements over the standard F-Type R-Dynamic, covering both the exterior and what Jaguar calls a “driver-focussed 1+1 cabin” interior.

“In creating the Chequered Flag we’ve focused on details which enhance F-Type’s presence and promise of performance – and in doing so, made a fitting celebration of 70 years of beautiful, fast, Jaguar sports cars,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar.

Externally, the Chequered Flag package starts with the addition of the ‘Exterior Black Design Pack’. Normally optional on the R-Dynamic F-Type, this consists of wider sills, a front splitter and rear venturi in body colour, plus gloss black treatment for the grille surround, bonnet louvres and front guard vents. The gloss black finish extends to the rollover bars on convertibles, while coupes get a Black Contrast roof.

Unique to the Chequered Flag are 20-inch wheels, which are similar to the diamond-turned ‘Style 6003’ wheels that are standard on the 280kW F-Type R-Dynamic, but replace the dark grey sections on these wheels with gloss black. Finishing touches outside include red brake calipers and subtle Chequered Flag badges on the grille and tail.

Inside, ‘Performance’ slimline seats are trimmed in Ebony Windsor leather, which extends to the dash and door cards, with contrast stitching in a choice of either Pimento (red) or Cirrus (blue) and Chequered Flag motifs embossed into the headrests. Optional on the seats are heating and cooling functions.

The standard heated steering wheel also carries the Chequered Flag logo and features a red leather 12 o’clock marker, while the centre console features a Dark Brushed Aluminium finisher in place of the F-Type R-Dynamic’s standard Delta aluminium finisher.

The Chequered Flag also features red seat belts, red illuminated door scuff plates and an Ebony Suedecloth headlining. Other interior features – applied across the F-Type range for 2019 - include a ‘Satin Chrome’ finish on the engine start button and ‘Noble Chrome’ for the steering wheel trim, air vent bezels and door switch packs.

Tech Upgrade

Standard across the F-Type range, the Touch Pro infotainment system is described as the most advanced to be ever offered in a Jaguar, with a high-speed SSD, 4G data connection and 10-inch touchscreen. Along with a smartphone-like pinch and pan ability, this screen also comes with a customisable home screen and the ability to provide shortcuts to specific features and functions.

For example, the Fuel Finder function will confirm if there’s enough fuel to reach your destination and locate service stations on the route if there isn’t, while the Commute Mode learns your daily route and offers alternative routes using both real-time and historical information to avoid traffic congestion.

A 10-speaker Meridian audio system is standard and said to be developed specifically for the F-Type, with a 12-speaker Surround Sound system optional. For 2019, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard on the F-Type for the first time, allowing easier access to tailored smartphone apps, including one that claims to offer true door-to-door route planning.

Also standard for 2019 are front parking sensors and a rear-view camera. The F-Type Chequered Flag Limited Edition is available to order now from your Jaguar dealer. Australian allocation numbers for the limited edition have not been confirmed.