Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Jaguar’s F-TYPE R Coupé now gains all-wheel drive traction


The best just got even better. Jaguar’s F-TYPE R Coupé now gains all-wheel drive traction and Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), helping it set new standards for dynamics and driver involvement.

Its fundamentals remain true to Jaguar’s core DNA of refined power, perfect proportions, outstanding design, and lightweight construction – the addition of all-wheel drive has increased the F-TYPE’s weight by just 80kg.

The result is a car with a greater breadth of dynamic capability, offering drivers a heightened sense of connection to the road

“The all-wheel drive F-TYPE joins its land-speed record-setting stable mate as the flagship in the line-up,” says Lisa Mallett, Marketing and Communications Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.

“Drivers will be able to enjoy tremendous amounts of grip in all conditions, without sacrificing the purity of the rear-wheel drive driving experience.”

Integrating AWD required only subtle changes to the F-TYPE’s acclaimed styling – a prerequisite that Jaguar’s design and engineering teams worked side by side to achieve – and the enhancements give AWD F-TYPEs even more presence.

The aluminium clamshell bonnet gains a deeper central power bulge. Either side are distinctive new vents, positioned further apart and further forward than those of rear-wheel drive F-TYPE models.

From behind the wheel, drivers will quickly notice the extra dimension that AWD adds to performance, handling and road holding in all conditions – and especially on slippery road surfaces.

The AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), a control system designed and developed in-house to exploit the maximum benefits of AWD without any compromise to Jaguar dynamics DNA.

IDD is networked to the powertrain, rear differential and centre coupling and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to provide optimum torque distribution.

Operating on the torque-on-demand principle, the AWD system sends 100 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. This maintains the F-TYPE’s rear-wheel drive handling characteristics and also reduces parasitic losses in the drivetrain.

If the system determines that the rear wheels are approaching the limit of available grip the electronically controlled centre coupling transfers torque to the front axle, improving traction.

Another benefit of AWD is the ability to vary the front: rear torque split to mitigate oversteer during fast cornering by providing yaw damping. Combined with even higher levels of feedback from the new EPAS system – a technology Jaguar’s chassis engineers have spent more than five years perfecting – the F-TYPE’s performance is now even more accessible and exploitable.

Range-wide additions for F-TYPE
The F-TYPE is the first Jaguar sports car to use EPAS, and the new system is fitted as standard to other F-TYPE models. Years of development have ensured that the technology is now mature enough to deliver the benchmark response and feel that drivers have come to expect. Since the system’s electric motor provides power assistance only when needed, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced.

The Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) function first developed for the F-TYPE R Coupé is now available on all F-TYPE models. Integrated into the DSC system, selectively braking the inside wheels mitigates understeer, helping the driver to take the ideal line through the bend.

 TVbB also helps to stabilise the car and minimise steering input during manoeuvres such as emergency lane changes.

Enhancements are not limited to the chassis and driveline technology. The instrument cluster features new dials and gauges. The infotainment system is upgraded too: navigation routing is much faster than before and SD card-based mapping is available for the first time.

Customers who wish to make their F-TYPE look even more exclusive have the option of a Sport Design Pack: the bespoke splitter, sills, venturi and, for the Coupé, fixed rear spoiler, subtly enhance the styling without affecting the purity of line which sets the F-TYPE apart in the sports car segment.

Applying composite technologies first developed in motorsport and aerospace, Jaguar has engineered a carbon-fibre roof option for the F-TYPE Coupé. At just 4.25kg, the carbon-fibre panel is even lighter than the aluminium pressing. The high-gloss lacquer finish leaves the distinctive ‘twill’ weave of the fibres clearly visible. The Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé AWD is available now in sub-Sahara Africa markets.

Car maintenance advice
We have compiled a list of top car maintenance tips. You can perform these yourself to keep your vehicle running in top shape between services.

Oil
An engine is made up of a large number of important moving parts, such as pistons, crankshaft, valves and the camshaft to name a few. Engine oil plays several important roles in ensuring that these all work together properly.

So what function does the oil perform in an engine?
Oil is a lubricant. Oil reduces friction and wear that occurs when parts move against each other, for example between the cylinder liner and piston ring, or the camshaft.

Assists in heat dispersion. Engine oil absorbs the heat produced in the engine combustion chambers and piston under crown area, cooling the engine and helping to prevent overheating.

As a sealant. Motor oil seals the space between the piston ring and the cylinder liner to prevent combustion pressure and engine power from escaping.

Oil is also a detergent and rust inhibitor. It neutralises acids produced by combustion gases, preventing rusting, corrosion and damage to essential components.

Easy to follow tips:

1. Engine oil level should be regularly checked regardless of vehicle age.
2. Only top up oil with correct grade as specified by manufacturer.
3. When topping up oil do not exceed the maximum recommend level.
For any oil related problems consult your owner's manual or contact your local Auto Service Centre.

Tyres
Tyre care is essential for maintaining vehicle safety. Tyres should be checked on a regular basis and before any long driving trips. Correctly maintained tyres will improve fuel economy, extend tyre life and improve vehicle safety.

1. Tyre inflation should be checked every two weeks.
2. Abnormal wear patterns indicate possible wheel alignment or suspension problems.
3. Vibrations in the steering indicate the tyres may require balancing.
4. Make sure that tyres have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth.

Power steering
Power steering fluid should be checked regularly to ensure it is filled to capacity.

1. The fluid can be checked via the reservoir. For the specific location relating to your vehicle please check your owner's manual.
2. Only use the recommended oil for your car, this information can be found in your owner's manual.
3. Never over fill the reservoir.

Batteries
The battery is the key component of your car's electrical system and the main cause of vehicle breakdowns. A number of simple steps can be taken to ensure your battery is kept in optimum condition all year round.

1. Check battery terminals regularly to ensure they are clean and tight.
2. Ensure that the electrolyte level is correct, if topping up only use distilled water. Many newer batteries are maintenance free and won't require topping up.
3. Make sure the battery is secure.
4. If your battery has not been replaced in 3 – 4 years consider a replacement as battery failures often occur with no warning.

Lights and electrical components
Lights are critical for vehicle safety. Electrical components including horns and window demisters need to be checked as well to ensure correct operation on a regular basis.

1. Check you lights regularly to ensure they work correctly.
2. Only use the recommended globes, this information can be found in your owner's manual.
3. Check other electrical components i.e. horns, window demisters regularly to ensure correct operation.

Cooling
Your vehicle's cooling system is vital to the operation of your vehicle.  Driving at freeway speeds and hot days put a lot of stress on your vehicle's cooling system. Basic checks can assist in maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system.

1. Only inspect your cooling system when the engine is cold. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
2. Check coolant/water level regularly.
3. Only use the recommended coolant for your vehicle, this can be found in the owner's manual.
4. If your cooling system requires regular refilling there may be a leak in the system.

source: www.theghanaauto.com/Georgina Otoo

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