The Jaguar F-Type recalls the legendary 1960s E-Type and is a driver's car to its core. While its 2-seat configuration may lack a certain amount of interior space, the F-Type more than makes up for it with "pace" and "grace," long-time hallmarks of the Jaguar nameplate.
The F-Type features an aggressive front end with air intakes and side vents, with two distinct design elements Jaguar calls "heartlines"--the styling starting points in the F-Type's shape that highlight the car's front fenders and rear haunches. Beyond that, the F-Type wears elegant aluminum sheetmetal available in one of 13 colors. A 3-layer power soft top with Thinsulate provides thermal and acoustic insulation in convertible models. It is available in four different colors, including black, gray, red and beige. Jaguar states that its soft top opens and closes in just 12 seconds. Additionally, seven different wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches are available.
F-Type coupes and convertibles each come in one of four different trims. The base F-Type features a supercharged 3.0L V6 making 340 horsepower and 332 ft-lb of torque. The F-Type S carries the same engine, but tuned to produce 380 horsepower and 339 ft-lb. The F-Type V8 S has a 550 horsepower, 5.0L supercharged V8, while the SVR uses a more powerful 575 horsepower version of the same engine. All models put the power to the rear wheels through an 8-speed "QuickShift" automatic transmission, but base and S trims offer an available 6-speed manual. Even the base model is no slouch-- Jaguar says it will make 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the V8 S does the job in just 4.2 seconds.
The F-Type is rich with features, including xenon HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control, ambient lighting in Jaguar Phosphor Blue and sport seating in leather and Suedecloth with 6-way manual and electric adjustment, though the V8 S includes 14-way power adjustment and full leather Performance seats. Configurable ambient lighting (Phosphor Blue, Pale Blue, White, Coral, Red) is standard on the S and V8 S.
The cockpit also features a distinct division between driver and passenger, with a prominent grab handle on the center console and even distinct trim materials on either side. Analog instruments are complemented by a 5-inch screen mounted between the speedometer and tachometer and a 3-spoke leather steering wheel features multi-function controls for the audio system and cruise control. A 770-watt Meridian sound system with 12 speakers is standard audio system.
A host of options and packages make the F-Type nearly endlessly configurable and allow buyers to spec their new Jaguars to suit their specific tastes. The most popular include the Performance Pack, which adds Configurable Dynamic Mode to adjust engine mapping, steering feel and gearshift response, while the Premium Pack ups the luxury and technology inside the F-Type, with dual climate control and heated seats and steering wheel.
Carbon ceramic brakes offer larger rotors and bigger calipers to increase braking performance. The Vision Pack adds safety features including a blind spot monitor, adaptive headlights, parking sensors and a back-up camera.
Award-winning Styling
Athletic Handling
Rapid Performance, With Available V8 Power
Luxurious Interior
Fast-opening Convertible Functionality On Ragtop Models
A new trim level has been added at the top of the F-Type range. The SVR features an even more powerful engine than the S, along with a unique interior featuring high quality materials and quilted leather in the seating surfaces. The outside has also gotten a refresh on the SVR, with unique aerodynamic aids and special lightweight 20-inch wheels.
Jaguar's F-Type is a bold exercise in building the perfect sports car. The range of V6 and V8 powerplants suit the chassis perfectly, making it a serious performance machine to compete with the likes of the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4 and the Audi TTS. The F-Type also gives V8-equipped competitors such as the Corvette and Mercedes SLK55 AMG a serious run for their money as well.
