Jaguar is celebrating 70 years of sports cars heritage with the new Jaguar F-Type Rally Cars. It has been 70 years since the Jaguar XK 120 was revealed back in 1948, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s storied history.
Jaguar has created two F-Type convertible rally cars, and these come with design cues from the F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition. These unique vehicles are not just a tribute to the past but also a showcase of modern engineering and design prowess.
Homage to a Legend
The one-off F-TYPE rally cars also pay homage to the legendary Jaguar XK 120 registered ‘NUB 120’ which, in the early 1950s in the hands of Ian Appleyard, completed three consecutive Alpine Rallies without incurring a single penalty point, and won the RAC and Tulip. This remarkable feat not only cemented the XK 120’s place in automotive history but also showcased Jaguar’s commitment to performance and reliability.
The XK 120 was a groundbreaking car in its time, featuring a 3.4-liter straight-six engine that produced 160 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 120 mph. This made it the fastest production car of its time. The car’s success in rallying and racing helped to establish Jaguar as a leading manufacturer of high-performance vehicles.
Modern Engineering Meets Classic Design
Both rally-specification F-TYPE Convertibles are powered by Jaguar’s 300PS 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine. With modifications overseen by Jaguar Design and Engineering, both cars were built to FIA specification, with comprehensively uprated brakes and suspension fitted alongside a protective rollcage, race-seats with six-point harness, bonnet-mounted light pod and fire extinguisher.
The 2.0-litre Ingenium engine is a marvel of modern engineering, delivering 300PS (approximately 296 horsepower) and 400Nm of torque. This engine is not only powerful but also efficient, thanks to advanced technologies such as a twin-scroll turbocharger and continuously variable valve timing. These features ensure that the engine delivers strong performance across the entire rev range.
The modifications made to the F-Type rally cars are extensive and designed to meet the rigorous demands of rallying. The uprated brakes and suspension ensure that the cars can handle the rough and varied terrain of rally stages, while the protective rollcage and race-seats with six-point harnesses provide the necessary safety for the driver and co-driver. The bonnet-mounted light pod is essential for night stages, providing enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The inclusion of a fire extinguisher is a crucial safety feature, as rally cars are often subjected to extreme conditions that can increase the risk of fire. All these modifications ensure that the F-Type rally cars are not only fast but also safe and reliable.
You can find out more details about the new Jaguar F-Type Rally Cars over at Jaguar at the link below.
Source Jaguar
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