What's all this about?
Jaguar has done a suitably patriotic version of the F-Type, which is available in red, white and blue colours. And, er, black. It's called the British Design Edition (BDE).
Which drivetrain are we looking at here?
It's based on the all-wheel drive V6 S model, which means the F-Type BDE has an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. It can be specified as a Coupé or a Convertible, with prices pegged at £75,225 for the hard-top and £80,390 for the cabrio. That equates to a premium of £7,820 for the Coupé and £7,500 on the Convertible.
How much extra equipment is thrown in?
All models feature an exterior Sport Design Pack, comprising a gloss black front splitter, body-coloured side sill extensions and rear Venturi, while the Coupé also has a fixed rear spoiler. The official names of the four colours are Ultimate Black, Caldera Red, Glacier White and Ultra Blue, the last of these being an all-new shade for the F-Type. In the arches are 20-inch Cyclone alloys with a Satin Dark Grey finish, and behind those are the red callipers that identify Jaguar's Super Performance Braking system - although you can opt to have the callipers black if you prefer.
And how about inside?
The Union Jack-inspired colour theme continues within, as the Jet premium leather interior can have contrast stitching in Red, Ivory or Reims Blue. British Design Edition badging, seen on the front and rear of the car's exterior, is repeated on the head restraints, sill plates and satin-finish carbon fibre centre console. A ten-speaker, 380-watt Meridian Sound System is the standard in-car entertainment with InControl Touch, although a 12-speaker, 770W item is an optional upgrade along with InControl Touch Plus. Oh, and all 2017MY F-Types have an extra (wait for it...) eight litres of luggage space in the boot, thanks to repackaging of various rear componentry.
Can you just remind me of the stats?
Powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, the F-Type BDE delivers 380hp at 6,500rpm and 460Nm from 3,500- to 5,000rpm. The 0-62mph times and the top speeds are identical for both Coupé and Convertible, at 5.1 seconds and 171mph respectively. Similarly, Jaguar says both BDE models can return 31.7mpg on the combined cycle.
When do they go on sale?
You can order the F-Type BDE right now, with first deliveries expected in spring.
Matt Robinson - 5 Jan 2016