Jaguar unveils rally-spec F-Type Convertible special edition

Like the Chequered Flag Special Edition, the F-Type rally cars have also been developed as part of the ongoing 70-year celebration of Jaguar sports cars.

Jaguar has taken two F-Type Convertibles and given them an unexpected makeover to continue the 70-year celebration of its sports cars. The British marque has converted them into rally-spec models which pay homage the 1948 XK 120's immense success at the RAC, Tulip and Alpine rallies. Both the modified F-Types are powered by Jaguar’s 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine which develops 296bhp. However, the 70-year celebrations were kicked off with the F-Type Chequered Flag Special Edition, from which the rally-spec F-Types derive their exterior livery. What's interesting here is the fact that both the cars have undergone FIA-spec rally modifications which means the addition of a protective roll cage, six-point harness racing seats, a bonnet-mounted light unit and fire extinguisher.

In terms of mechanical upgrades, the rally-spec F-Types feature upgrades to the brakes, suspension and drivetrain including the addition of grooved discs with four-piston callipers, both at the front and rear. The three-way adjustable dampers fitted with softer springs also the give the car added capability to be tuned for different types of terrain. The cars also feature motorsport-grade wheels and tyres, a limited-slip differential for better power delivery on loose surfaces and a hydraulic handbrake for easy manoeuvring through tight bends.

On the occasion, Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar said, '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. These models are a fitting tribute to the XK 120 and all the great Jaguar sports cars since its reveal 70 years ago, including the latest F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition.'