► Two ‘one-off’ rally cars
► Continue XK120 celebrations
► But they won’t go racing
Jaguar is continuing its 70 year celebrations with another new special edition F-type, but this one’s a little more ‘special’ than the Chequered-flag edition it follows. This time around, Jaguar has produced two rallying versions of the F-type, once again to mark seven decades since the XK120 was revealed.
Why rallying?
Although Jaguar isn’t usually associated with rallying, the off-road F-types also pay homage to an XK120 registered ‘NUB 120’ which completed three consecutive Alpine Rallies in the 50s without receiving a penalty point, and also took the top step at the RAC and Tulip rallies.
What’s different then?
Both cars are powered by the four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine you can find in the road-going F-type, but Jaguar has also added some extra modifications to make the car work better on loose surfaces. Grooved, four-piston callipers at the front and rear provide better stopping-power, while softer springs and competition dampers mean the F-type can more easily ride out bumps. They’re adjustable too, so the F-types can be set up for different surfaces.
As you’d expect, both cars feature a hydraulic handbrake and limited-slip-diff for better power delivery. Out front, there’s also a bonnet-mounted light pod for night stages.
Inside you’ll find a an FIA-approved protective roll-cage, six-point harness and fire extinguisher.
Are they going to race?
It’s very, very unlikely – but they do at least function as actual rally cars. Jaguar says both models were put through their paces at Walters Arena rally stage, South Wales.