Jaguar has confirmed rumors that it is considering whether to fit a turbocharged four-cylinder from its upcoming “Hotfire” engine family under the hood of the F-Type sports car.
“As long as we can deliver the character and performance we expect of the car, we would be open to a four cylinder,” F-Type Coupe program director Russ Varney told Auto Express. “These days, I don’t think the engine configuration is important. It’s the power and the torque and the way it delivers them that’s important.”
More than just an efficiency-enhancing option, the turbo four would trim pounds and improve weight distribution compared with the entry-level motor, a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Those factors could potentially make it more of an enthusiast’s option than the six, especially given the level of output Jaguar is eyeing for the mill.
“We like the sound of any configuration of engine that gives 350bhp and it does not matter how many cylinders it uses to deliver that,” Varney said. “As long as we can deliver an honesty and legitimacy about the performance of the F-Type, then we can use whatever powertrain we like. If it brings some other benefits, like lighter weight and lower consumption, then why would we not do it?”
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