By: IOL Motoring Staff
Whitley, West Midlands - The Jaguar F-Type has won more than 140 industry awards since its 2012 debut, but the one closest to designer Ian Callum's heart must be the prestigious World Car Design of the Year accolade.
Faced with the daunting task of creating a successor to the iconic E-Type, described by no less an authority than Enzo Ferrari as "the most beautiful car in the world", he knew the new two-seater would have to be as contemporary as tomorrow, but with a clear family resemblance to its illustrious predecessors.
How well he succeeded is now a matter of public record - and the reason for the creation of an exclusive special-edition variant.
Available as either a coupé or convertible, the British Design Edition is based on the F-Type S, with its three-litre supercharged petrol V6 delivering 280kW and 460nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Quickshift transmission.
It runs special 20 inch Cyclone rims finished in satin dark grey, shod with 255/35 front and 295/20 rear radials, over Jaguar Super Performance Brakes - normally an extra-cost option, as is the sport Design Pack, which is also standard on this exclusive model.
It comprises a gloss black front splitter, body-coloured side sills and a rear venture; a fixed rear spoiler is also available for the coupé.
The British Design Edition will be available in patriotic red, white or blue, as well as black, carrying special badging with a monochrome Union Jack background.
JET LEATHER INTERIOR
The cockpit is trimmed in black leather with contrast stitching in a choice of red, white or blue, and carbon-fibre trim around the centre console, highlighted by special branding on the centre console, headrests and stainless-steel tread plates.
There's a choice of specially-developed Meridian audio - if you specify the InControl Touch infotainment system you get a 380W set-up with 10 speakers, but if you opt for the more comprehensive InControl Touch Plus, you'll get 770W of Meridian surround sound through 12 speakers.
Both InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus support InControl Apps as well as popular applications on Apple and Android devices, while InControl Remote lets you access certain functions from your smartphone.
The 2017 Jaguar F-Type and British Design Edition will be released in South Africa during the first half of 2016; prices, as usual, when they get here.