Most global car-makers tend to replace ageing engines for more efficient, smaller-capacity powerplants. But not always.
Case in point: the incoming 2022 Jaguar F-TYPE.
The British brand has confirmed that a detuned version of its familiar 5.0-litre supercharged V8 producing 331kW and 580Nm of torque will power new P450 variants of its Jaguar F-TYPE sports car, filling the gap created by the soon-to-be-retired 3.0-litre supercharged V6 (280kW/460Nm) in the P380 models.
The changeover is expected when the MY22 series arrives in Australia late this year or early in 2022.
Jaguar Land Rover is currently phasing out the blown V6 in favour its newer, more efficient 3.0-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine range.
In the meantime, the V8 will replace the mid-spec V6 F-TYPE, and although pricing has not yet been confirmed, the F-TYPE P450 variants are expected to cost about the same as the current P380s.
The V6 is currently pegged at $174,765 plus on-road costs for the coupe and $193,465 plus ORCs for the convertible.
Local specs are not yet locked in, but expected comparable equipment levels that extend to 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a limited slip differential, while quad exhausts replace the V6’s dual outlets.
The extra V8 muscle will also see some chassis upgrades, such as more potent brakes.
Inside, a digital instrument cluster plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 10-inch central touch-screen will be standard.
Unlike the US market, the entry-level P300 four-cylinder turbo-petrol model (221kW/400Nm) will be retained in Australia as the price leader in the range (currently $128,065 plus ORCs).
As far as the new F-TYPE P450 model goes, the 331kW supercharged V8 will propel the two-door sports car from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds (4.9sec for the V6) and on to a top speed of 285km/h, with no performance difference between rear- and all-wheel drive variants.
Power is transferred from the crankshaft to the driving wheels via conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Jaguar F-TYPE R will remain the flagship model grade, fitted with a high-output version of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 (423kW/700Nm) that gifts it with a 3.7sec 0-100km/h dash.
The Jaguar F-TYPE was updated in late 2019 with improved equipment levels and the first new look since the Porsche 911 rival was conceived in 2013.
All Jaguar vehicles sold in Australia are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.