2016 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe To Offer All-Wheel Drive

After a surge in sales in recent years linked to the introduction of all-wheel drive for both its mid-size XF and full-size XJ luxury sedans, Jaguar has ported the same traction-grabbing system to the popular F-Type coupe.  Specifically, starting in 2016 the Jaguar F-Type R coupe will be available in an all-wheel drive variant, the first of which will be brought to the Los Angeles Auto Show in two weeks time to be put on public display.

Jaguar's decision to restrict all-wheel drive availability to the eight-cylinder edition of the F-Type coupe is counter to the strategy it has employed with its sedans, where only V-6 models can currently be had in all-wheel drive form.  This points towards a brighter future for four-door AWD Jaguars, assuming that a similar drivetrain can be adapted to fit underneath its larger V-8 cars in addition to the F-Type R.

From a performance perspective the all-wheel drive F-Type coupe is impressive, able to hit 60-mph in just 3.9 seconds while offering increased wet and snowy-weather grip that will expand its appeal to those who dwell in the northern half of the United States.  Perhaps even more important is that it presents a compelling choice for high performance fans seeking a year-round ride, as other, similarly-quick coupes like the Corvette and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class are rear-wheel drive only.  BMW's 6 Series coupe is available in all-wheel drive form, but it's not quite as dynamically interesting as the F-Type, with only the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and Turbo presenting a similar attitude when it comes to pedigreed all-wheel drive sports cars.

Jaguar will be expanding its F-Type offerings from six to 12 throughout the 2016 model year.  Look for a manual transmission to make its debut at some point in 2015, along with an all-wheel drive six-cylinder F-Type coupe.