2021 Jaguar F-TYPE Gets a New Face and New Tech

As an owner of an original 2014 Jaguar F-TYPE, I’m particularly fond of Ian Callum’s nearly perfect original design. But as time marches on, so must automotive design. For the 2021 model year, the F-TYPE gets a new face, upgraded technology, and the high-end R models even get a performance boost.

The front end of the new model features the most noticeable changes, with the original, vertically-oriented HID headlights replaced with new LED lights with a slim horizontal design. The new lights maintain the trademark “J-blade” accent lights found on other recent Jaguars.

Combined with a slightly larger grille and a revised air intake design, its front has much more in common with the XE and F-PACE than before. There’s also a new hood design that does away with the sideways air vents, replacing them with a horizontal look as well. While I’m still getting used to it, I think the new front is definitely more aggressive than before.

Around back, the LED tail lamps borrow from the I-PACE, with a new “Chicane” design that’s more angular than the original F-TYPE lights. Other than a more luxurious stitching pattern on the doors and seats, the interior design remains largely unchanged. The instrument panel has been replaced with a standard 12.3″ full digital display, and the infotainment system has standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Like the previous model, base turbo 4 models produce 296 horsepower, and supercharged V6 models make 380 horses. But the supercharged V8 “R” models all get a meaningful bump to 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque, putting that trim on par with the prior SVR model. The F-TYPE R also gets new springs, dampers, and rear knuckles, further improving handling. An active exhaust system comes standard on all F-TYPEs, fully capable of producing a variety of wonderful crackles and pops. The F-TYPE R now gets a “Quiet Start” mode which your neighbors might appreciate when you go out for a midnight ride.

While Jaguar has yet to mention any hybrid or electric drivetrain options for the new F-TYPE, the company previously mentioned that all of its new vehicles would offer the option of electrification starting in 2020 and going forward, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see an even more potent hybrid electric F-TYPE at some point soon.