2017 Jaguar F-Type update set for June arrival

Jaguar has given its gorgeous F-Type sports car range a mid-life nip-tuck, adding two new variants, tweaking styling and boosting equipment, ahead of its Australian showroom debut in June.

While customers are not short of choice in the F-Type range, with 26 variants currently available across coupe and convertible body styles, and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, Jaguar has decided to strengthen the line-up with two new versions – the R-Dynamic and the limited time 400 Sport launch edition.

Based on the 280kW V6 S grade, the 400 Sport gains a slew of performance upgrades headlined by a 294kW version of the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 (+14kW), and will only be offered for one year to commemorate the introduction of the updated F-Type.

The 400 Sport also gains yellow and grey badging, an uprated chassis, beefier brakes and Jaguar's Sport Design Pack, which bundles an extended front splitter and side sills with a Dark Satin Grey-finished rear diffuser and 20-inch wheels.

According to Jaguar, "interior design elements include 400 Sport branding in the centre console, steering wheel, treadplates and embroidered headrests", while "yellow contrast stitching features throughout the cabin."

On the other hand, the R-Dynamic F-Type is based on entry-level 250kW V6 and 280kW V6 S grades, while receiving new-look 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as gloss black highlights on the front bumper, front splitter, bonnet vents, side sills and rear diffuser.

Jaguar Australia senior public relations executive James Scrimshaw said the R-Dynamic would appeal to customers who want the look of a V8 F-Type R, without the pricier engine and increased performance.

The British brand has also partnered with action camera-maker GoPro to release a ReRun app to allow drivers to overlay recorded footage with performance data.

"It's a new entrant, but we're pretty hopeful it will be popular," he said. "A lot of people like the R's looks, and the R-Dynamic means you can enhance the car but you don't have to take bigger engines and performance to do that."

Both new variants will be available in coupe and convertible body styles as well as rear-drive and all-wheel drive layouts, however, only two-wheel drive F-Types are available with a manual gearbox, while all all-paw versions are mated to an eight-speed automatic.

Aside from the introduction of the two new grades, the rest of the F-Type range receives new-look front bumpers to further differentiate V6 and V8 models and tweaked LED headlights for improved lighting capabilities.

Jaguar has also fitted the new F-Type with an updated 8.0-inch touchscreen entertainment and control system with improved functionality, while expanding its options list to include lighter weight magnesium seats, Siena tan leather trim and satin chrome cabin highlights.

The British brand has also partnered with action camera-maker GoPro to release a ReRun app to allow drivers to overlay recorded footage with performance data including speed, g-force and throttle position.

Jaguar Australia is yet to release pricing on the updated F-Type, but expect numbers similar to the current range, which kicks off from $119,545 before on-roads for the V6 coupe.

Has Jaguar done enough to keep the F-Type fresh? Tell us what you think in the comments below.