Jaguar F-TYPE to get supercharged V8, manual transmission possible

Jaguar has confirmed to Teamspeed that it will endow the forthcoming F-TYPE sports car with its range-topping supercharged 5.0-litre V8.

This means two powertrains will be available, including the previously announced supercharged 3.0-litre V6. Jaguar also hinted at a manual transmission being available, though not initially.

When asked whether the F-TYPE would come with a stick-shift, spokesperson Ken McConomy didn’t deny it, instead saying that a manual would “not be available at [the F-TYPE’s] launch”.

“We’ve benchmarked it against everything, and it would make sense to have a manual,” said Mr McConomy. “Regardless of the transmission, the trick will be weight.”

Seen below, this F-TYPE mule (in a shortened XK body) was undergoing tyre testing, and having drag-raced this mule in an XJ Speed Pack along a German autobahn, I can assure you, this will be one quick car.