FYI: The Jaguar F-Type’s Legacy Concludes with the V8-Powered F-Type R 75 Edition
The Jaguar F-Type is the embodiment of automotive artistry—a car that, like a piece of fine art, resonates deeply with some while leaving others indifferent. Despite its appeal to a niche market, it hasn’t achieved the broad acclaim of models like the Porsche 911 or BMW M3. For over a decade, Jaguar has offered various powertrains for the F-Type and ventured into racing and rally versions. However, the 2024 F-Type signals the end of this iconic era. In a final nod to this classic design, I took the F-Type R 75 Edition Convertible for one last exhilarating drive.
The Final Drive: The Heart-Pounding V8
Driving the R 75 Edition meant experiencing the ultimate rendition of the F-Type’s high-output 5.0-liter supercharged V8. Though Jaguar once offered a supercharged V6 and even a four-cylinder engine, the V8 remains the undisputed champion. Its power and presence define the F-Type experience, delivering a visceral thrill that eclipses the car’s other shortcomings.
The V8 roars with a sound reminiscent of a British Hellcat, resonating in your mind long after you’ve left the car. While the F-Type excels in straight-line acceleration, its handling is less forgiving. The chassis struggles to hide its weight, leading to a somewhat uncomfortable driving experience on imperfect roads. Despite these limitations, the V8’s raw power and sound make each drive an unforgettable adventure.
Unmatched Driving Experience
Accelerating to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds, the F-Type R’s performance figures might seem just numbers, but they only hint at the real excitement. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts like a finely-tuned orchestra, reaching a crescendo as the engine revs to 6,500 rpm. Each downshift produces an exhilarating series of bangs from the quad exhaust tips, a sound that turns heads and leaves pedestrians in awe.
While the post-2021 model refresh aimed to soften the exhaust noise, it remains a force to be reckoned with. Each overrun bang draws curious glances from distracted pedestrians, wondering what kind of vehicle could produce such an arresting sound.
Balancing Pros and Cons
Despite its extraordinary engine, the F-Type R has several drawbacks. Handling remains unsettled, and the braking system lacks reassuring feedback. Infotainment is sluggish, diminishing its credibility as a grand tourer. At around $120,000, these compromises are significant, especially when compared to similarly priced Corvette and Porsche models that offer a more balanced package.
Despite other drawbacks, the F-Type’s design remains timeless, thanks to Ian Callum’s masterful vision. His work ensures that both the coupe and convertible versions will be future concours d’elegance highlights, praised for their elegant shapes and extraordinary engines. Over time, quibbles about handling and cabin space may fade, leaving only the legacy of a beautiful car that brought immense joy to those who drove it.
A Look to the Future
With Jaguar’s shift towards electric vehicles, the next generation of sports cars will forego blistering V8 engines. This transition raises concerns, given that Jaguar’s current strength lies in its engines. The F-Type’s successors will also come without Ian Callum’s design expertise, which brought a unique allure that masked inherent shortcomings.
Owners of an F-Type, especially the rare SVR variant, hold the keys to one of the most thrilling British sports cars ever made. With annual sales hovering between 1,000 and 4,000 units, the F-Type remains a rare gem on the road. The R 75 edition, with its unique Giola Green paint and performance enhancements, is a fitting last hurrah for this iconic model.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the Jaguar F-Type, it’s clear that it remains one of the finest examples of British automotive engineering. Although it may not have achieved the same acclaim as some of its competitors, the F-Type’s distinctive design and exhilarating V8 engine ensure that it will be remembered fondly. While its handling and technological shortcomings present notable issues, the overall experience the F-Type delivers is nothing short of spectacular.
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Jack Karney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
