Rally cars these days are all based on mass-market
subcompact hatchbacks, like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. But there was
a time when you could take a sports car rallying. And Jaguar’s keen to relive
that era with a pair of rally-prepped F-Types.
And not F-Type coupes, either: this duo is based on
the roadster. Much like the current WRC machinery, the Jags pack turbocharged
four-cylinder engines – albeit larger at 2.0 liters and less potent at 296
horsepower and with open two-seat cockpits.
The British automaker didn’t say whether they’re
rear- or all-wheel drive, but while four-wheel traction is available on the
production roadster, it isn’t offered with the Ingenium turbo four. The F-Type rally cars borrow cues
from the Chequered Flag edition and pay homage to the XK120 that took on the
Alpine and other rallies back in the early 1950s. Jaguar also upgraded them to
FIA rally standards, fitting a full roll cage, racing seats with six-point
harnesses, on-board fire extinguisher, and extra lights on the nose. It also
mounted beefier brakes, adjustable dampers, a new limited-slip differential,
hydraulic handbrake, and competition-spec wheels with gravel-munching tires.
Jaguar shook down its unusual new rally machine in on
the Walters Arena rally stage in South Wales, and will take them on tour over
the coming months. We wouldn’t count on them leading, however, to an actual
competitive rally program like Porsche’s working on with its Cayman GT4.
