Thursday 27th September 2012

Paris 2012: F-Type starts at £58k

Jaguar's E-Type for the 21st century is a great mix of speed, handling, sound - and value

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Here's the long-awaited griff on Jaguar's F-Type - and with prices starting at £58,500, we reckon it's got all it needs to give the opposition a jolly good kicking.

Proper sports car, down to the noise and all

As you'd expect from Jaguar, the two-seater, rear-wheel drive F-Type is all about the driving experience. That philosophy is reflected in both the cabin and the chassis, which Jaguar reckons is up to 30 per cent stiffer in key areas compared with any previous Jaguar.

The car comes in three versions, all petrol-powered and comprising two V6s and one V8. As in the XJ and XF, all three are supercharged. That means 340hp from the base 3.0-litre F-Type, 380hp-339lb/ft from the 3.0-litre F-Type S, and 495hp-461lb/ft from the 5.0-litre F-Type V8 S.

In the F-Type's lightweight aluminium body, that translates to 0-60 times of 5.1, 4.8 and 4.2 seconds respectively, and electronically-limited top speeds of 161mph, 171mph and 186mph. Just as impressive are the in-gear acceleration times. Driving through the close-ratio eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission, the 50-75mph interval is covered in just 3.3 seconds - and that's in the 340hp model. The 380hp trims 0.2 seconds off that, while the V8 smashes it down to 2.5 seconds.

Everything's fast, steering included

The steering rack is described as "quick", and limited-slip diffs are standard on both the S versions (mechanical in the V6, electronic in the V8). Aluminium features strongly, and not just in the body: double-wishbone suspension front and rear is made entirely of the stuff. An optional Configurable Dynamics programme on the S models allows the driver to tailor a number of dynamic features, including an Active Exhaust system that uses bypass valves in the rear section to give the aural benefits of a 'straight-through' system when pressing on - or all the time, if you select Dynamic Mode via the Jaguar Drive controller. An Intake Feedback System overlays intake noise onto the scream of the supercharger.

If PHers had been invited to help design this car, it's unlikely they would have changed much. It's got "winner" stamped all over it.

"Fundamentally, a great sports car is one you'll look forward to driving because it's fun, and the F-Type definitely delivers on that score," says Jaguar's Chief Engineer (Vehicle Integrity) Mike Cross. "We've worked hard to make sure that responses to steering, throttle and brakes are absolutely immediate, a task made far easier by the rigid aluminium structure at the car's base.

"It's precise and exciting, a car that you'll want to drive for the sake of driving alone - and it sounds fantastic." It certainly does, and that's on paper!

[mrclav]

That main picture is borderline sexual. Woweeee!!!!! Love this car.

[tino2479]

Do not like the rear 3/4 view at all in the last photograph, maybe its the red body sandwiched between the black rag top and the black diffuser that makes it look... squashed?

Edited by tino2479 on Wednesday 26th September 19:39

[dvance]

So what's the price tag going to be ?

[Walton]

Who's been copying PR releases word for word again.....

"As you'd expect from Jaguar, the two-seater, rear-wheel drive F-Type is all about the driving experience. "

[kbird]

No complaints here!!

[obscene]

WANT

[Ved]

Jaguars will never ever look right in red. Looks quite nice though although the arse is a bit rough.

[AndyJRB]

Looks nice, can't wait to see the photoshopped pics with a coupe roof.

[Pickled]

Saw the disguised version on the M25 last month, even with the disguise on it still looked fantastic as it passed at high speed.

Looks very Italian (IMO) you could almost stick a Ferrari or Maserati badge on it.

[framerateuk]

Looks great. Saw one of these in camouflage going Eastbound on the M4 last month, even more impressed with the finished look!

[philmots]

Winner. I'll have a V8 S please!

[anonymous-user]

For some reason these pics look far better than the other F-Type thread!

[DMC2]

Nobody seems to be mentioning weight yet?

[RedTrident]

MonkeyMatt said:

For some reason these pics look far better than the other F-Type thread!

+1 Still think the front bumper is too fussy though. Looking forward to the reviews.

[kiteless]

That rear end design is fantastic.

In fact I love the way the rear 3/4 of the car flares and tapers just so.

I just hope the dynamics are just as good, but so far it's a whole lot of wantage from behind this keyboard.

[FarmerJim]

Looks like it is going to be a legend in its own lifetime. They won't be able to make enough of them.

[PhilJames]

Perfect, what's not to like about this. Seems like they nailed it, hope it's not just marketing spin.

[mwstewart]

What a beautiful car.

[Matt Bird]

Possibly the first Jag I've ever really wanted. 380hp V6 in BRG please.

[jackal]

will sell like hot cakes