Jaguar’s Adrian Hallmark has revealed that Jaguar’s new manual gearbox will be heading in to the new F-Type.
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They’ve gone because the slush boxes of old have been replaced by new, double clutch boxes that actually give better performance and better economy than a driver with a left foot in action. But still, the yearning for the control and feel of a manual ‘box remains at the core of the driving experience.
Oddly, that lust for a manual is even more present in drivers in the home of the automatic car – the USA – whereas European drivers have, on the whole, accepted the modern auto as the future in performance cars. And yet…
A manual ‘box in a daily driver – especially if you commute through heavy traffic – is a pain (although it’s still preferable to the droning of a CVT), but for a weekend car; a toy; a pleasure machine; it’s a huge plus. Which is why Jaguar – which eschewed manual gearboxes when the X-Type bit the dust – is bringing back the manual option in the F-Type.
Jaguar’s Adrian Hallmark has confessed to Autocar that the F-Type will be getting a manual option – but not for a year or so – to add to the F-Type’s sports car credibility. But, after a few phone calls, it looks like Jaguar will only offer the manual ‘box on the F-Type and F-Type S – the V6 versions of the new F-Type – and not in the V8S.
Of course, Jaguar are going to need a manual ‘box for any future new small Jaguar too, and they may even offer a manual option in the XF, but there’s precious little chance you’ll be able to spec an XJ with a manual box, even thought there was once a time when you could buy an XJR with a manual ‘box.
It’s a sensible move from Jaguar; added sports car credibility, and even a small price drop, for the manual F-Type.
Richard Clarkson says
Hallmark is right. “Front wheel drive cars modern cars are for the weak” says TopGear. Not a lot of people like manual cars, and I can’t work this out… Manual boxes give you a certain fizz that you just don’t get with an auto. IMO, The F-type is the best car in the world, but with a manual box, it would be the best, EVER (well right after the original E-type that is…).
PS: I just regret car makers don’t make any “normal” handbrakes anymore. How will you attract girls now they’re gone? 😉
F-Type Forums says
I’d like to bet that 90% of buyers will opt for the automatic. I know the motoring press like to harp on about true sports cars having manual boxes but like you say – it’s ok for a weekend car but for a daily driver you want an automatic!
Cars UK says
Sadly, most of the motoring press do say manual is best, but we’re spoilt; we don’t, on the whole, have to do the rush hour madness so we’re using the car to play most of the time. In the real world, modern autos are the best choice for a daily driver. Period.