Pricier 2020 Jaguar F-Type Swaps Manual Transmission for Special Edition
The Jaguar F-Type brings a new special-edition model to market for the 2020 model year: the Checkered Flag Limited Edition. Jaguar is waving the red flag, however, on something many driving enthusiasts no doubt will miss on the exotic sports car: a manual transmission.
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The Checkered Flag Limited Edition is available in coupe or convertible form, with either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 296 horsepower or the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 in R-Dynamic models good for 380 ponies. Four-cylinder Checkered Flag models are rear-wheel drive and V-6 versions all-wheel drive. The Checkered Flag F-Type also gets visual upgrades inside and out to distinguish itself from non-special-edition F-Types.
What’s New, What’s Not
The visual cues include black 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers, a black contrast roof for coupe models, leather seating with embossed head restraints and red or white contrast stitching, and a dark-aluminum finish on the center console. The steering wheel also features a red leather band to indicate the 12 o’clock position — a nice touch that’s an additional nod to Jaguar’s racing history.
What the Checkered Flag Limited Edition F-Type doesn’t get is a manual transmission — and neither does any other 2020 F-Type. This is both a bummer for those who still believe in the fun of manual transmissions and a sound decision for Jaguar, especially given Car and Driver’s report showing that only about 4 percent of U.S. F-Type sales are manual-equipped cars. Instead, for model year 2020, all F-Types will get an eight-speed automatic.
What’s It Cost?
Base model prices are up $880 over 2019 models, while the higher-performance models see a jump of $880, $980 or $1,080 depending on trim. Another way of looking at the prices below is to consider that a convertible top will add $3,100 to the cost of an F-Type ($2,400 to a Checkered Flag edition), and all-wheel drive — if available — will add $3,000 to the price.
Pricing for the 2020 F-Type starts at $62,625 for RWD coupes with the four-cylinder engine and $65,725 for a convertible (all prices include a $1,025 destination fee). Four-cylinder Checkered Flag Limited Editions will cost $72,925 for a coupe and $75,325 for a convertible.
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The 340-hp, 3.0-liter V-6-equipped RWD F-Type is either $72,125 with a fixed roof or $75,225 with a droptop. R-Dynamic models for coupes or convertibles are $85,325 or $88,425 with RWD, and $88,325 or $91,425 with AWD. AWD Checkered Flag Limited Editions — remember, with the R-Dynamic’s V-6 — are $95,525 or $97,925 for coupes or convertibles. The AWD-only F-Type R with its supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 and 550 hp breaks six figures, starting at $102,825 or $105,925. Finally, the range-topping AWD F-Type SVR with a 575-hp version of the V-8 will cost $124,625 or $127,725.
In short: There’s an F-Type for everyone willing to spend at least $63,000 on a two-seat sports car.
What’s It Compete With?
For those considering competitors to the F-Type, your choices range from the not-quite-a-BMW Z4 Toyota Supra and the BMW Z4 itself — at least versus the base F-Type. Prices for both start somewhat south of the F-Type’s lowest price. The Chevrolet Corvette also offers models featuring greater performance than the F-Type with a similar price range — and a manual — but won’t match the F-Type for luxury. Those looking to spend a little more may want to consider the new 2020 Porsche 911, but starting prices for the entry-level 911 models are in the F-Type R and SVR range.
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