RE: Jaguar F-Type Coupe: Driven

RE: Jaguar F-Type Coupe: Driven

Monday 13th January 2014

2014 Jaguar F-Type Coupe | Review

Chris Harris bags an early drive with the Jaguar F-Type Coupe, rather likes it...



There is a lurking suspicion that it doesn't really matter what people like me say about this car - it simply looks too good for potential buyers to really care about how it drives because, well, all new sports cars are pretty good at the driving thing aren't they?

Mine is not a serious job, and I have long suspected that third party opinions of the type delivered in pieces like this have a limited affect on buying behaviour, but rarely have I felt as professionally impotent as when I saw an Jaguar F-Type Coupe R(or is it R-Coupe?) sitting in the Barcelona sunshine. I say sitting - brooding would be more accurate. There's a smoking menace at work here that will have grown men weeping into the finance papers before they know what's happened.

Sod the way it drives - I just want one. That's what I thought. And I tend to really care how things drive.

I'll repeat my usual message and confirm that I am the least qualified arbiter of what does and doesn't look good. But this car looks flaming fabulous. What is it about the truncated, high-arse, long-snouted coupe format that delivers so consistently? Aston V8 Vantage, BMW M Coupe, Ferrari F12 - all of them are stunners to my warped sense of the aesthetic, and the F-Type Coupe is right up there.


Jaguar is very keen to stress that this car offers quite a different driving experience to the Convertible. A bodyshell which is now 80 per cent stiffer than the drop-top, mildly increased spring-rates and new damper calibration certainly point towards a more accurate drive. And this is the full-fat version of the company's 5.0-litre supercharged V8: 550hp, 502lb ft and a 186mph top speed. Given the power figure, that vmax looks quite low to me, but then anything over 180mph does seem ample these days.

This was a very brief drive event on the Barcelona F1 circuit. There was no road driving allowed and, rather frustratingly, we couldn't drive a roadster to compare notes.

Jaguar insists that any driver should be able to spot that he or she is driving an F-Type Coupe rather than the version with the fabric roof in the first 50 metres of acquaintance. Well, in the new car, if you look up, you'll see that there's a metal panel over your head, so they've had a partial success.

As for a completely different feel? I didn't see it that way. What I felt was a series of small but significant incremental improvements in the car's dynamics, which combine to leave a sharper, faster car than the the V8 S Convertible.


But the R Coupe's character is still very much one of vaguely sanitised hot-rod than Cayman-clone. The steering is light and lacking any great sense of connection and the combination of vast torque, rear drive and short wheelbase mean the traction control light remains on for the majority of the lap. The lowest level of intervention, Track DSC, allows a decent amount of slip and then anyone will be able to feel the way this car wants to be steered post-apex with the right pedal. It's a great feeling and I think confirms that Jaguar was absolutely right opting for a set of dynamics that are far more yobbish than anything wearing a Porsche badge. We already have the 911, we don't need another one. This is something quite new.

This R version also runs a torque vectoring programme on the DSC system. It's quite similar to many others on sale and to be honest, driving as fast as I could on track I just didn't feel it working.

Does it feel faster than the V8 S roadster? On the open expanses of an F1 circuit, not really. The eight-speed ZF 'box does a stunning job of playing the paddle shifter given how good it is in full automatic mode and that electrically operated locking rear differential has been recalibrated for more locking. It suits the torque delivery of the car.

The cabin is identical to the drop-top, save the addition of something called a 'boot'. Yes, there is now the option of carrying luggage for a weekend away behind the driver's head. It's a decent sized space too.


There will be a sticky Continental tyre available as an option, and the car has run a sub 7min 40sec lap of the Nurburgring - which is very, very fast. Miles quicker than the XKR-S which, to my eyes, is now a busted flush. This car is cheaper, better looking, faster and more fun to drive.

This is the first time Jaguar has offered a carbon ceramic brake option, and for track work they're a must. We drove the car on steel brakes too - they'll be fine for road use, but after three laps the pedal went long. Pedal feel is remarkable similar between the two. Again, I want to try both at road speeds before deciding which is best because I really don't see this particular F-Type being a track weapon. That's not to say there won't be such a car eventually.

Of course we need to know what it's like to drive in real life, whether that increased rigidity adds a degree of composure to the roadster's sometimes alarmingly lively handling, and whether it has the refinement you'd expect of a sporting GT. I had to wear a crash helmet at all times, so can't tell you much on that front, but the V8 S's frankly silly exhaust noise has been tamed a touch for this car. Fear not though, it's still very, very naughty.

I don't need to drive it next to a Cayman or a 911 to tell you that it's a little less accomplished than both in absolute driving terms, but I just don't think it matters. This is the British sports car I've been dreaming of for years. It's a little brash, very fast and looks so good people will buy it regardless of how it drives.

Luckily for them, it happens to be a riot. I want one.


SPECIFICATION | 2014 JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE
Engine:
 2,995cc, V6, supercharged
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 340hp@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332lb ft@3,500rpm
0-62mph: 5.3sec
Top speed: 161mph (electronically limited)
Weight: 1,577kg (1,597kg)
MPG: 32.1 (31.4mpg)
CO2: 205g/km (209g/km)
Price: £51,235 (£58,500)

SPECIFICATION | 2014 JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE V6 S
Engine:
 2,995cc, V6, supercharged
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 380hp@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 339lb ft@3,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.9sec
Top speed: 171mph (electronically limited)
Weight: 1,594kg (1,614kg)
MPG: 31.0mpg 
CO2: 213g/km
Price: £60,235 (£67,500)

SPECIFICATION | 2014 JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE V8 R
Engine:
 5,000cc, V8, supercharged
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@6,500 (495hp@6,500rpm)
Torque (lb ft): 502@2,500 (460lb ft@3,500rpm)
0-62mph: 4.0sec (4.3sec)
Top speed: 186mph (electronically limited)
Weight: 1,665kg
MPG: 25.5mpg (claimed)
CO2: 259g/km
Price: £85,000 (£79,950)

Figures in brackets for equivalent Convertible; all weights quoted 'from' by Jaguar

Author
Discussion

Debaser

Original Poster:

5,665 posts

260 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Looks fantastic! How long before you get to drive one on the road?

seismic22

643 posts

168 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
I'll take one.....

DMC2

1,828 posts

210 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Still too heavy.

loudlashadjuster

5,083 posts

183 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Nice to hear the coupe seems to address two major complaints about the convertible, namely that it was bit ugly and too noisy.

Joking aside, the fact that it is ~10% cheaper and should have a bit more luggage space goes some way to squashing the few negatives that seems to have attached themselves to the F-Type.

Edited by loudlashadjuster on Sunday 12th January 09:03

loudlashadjuster

5,083 posts

183 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
dp

Edited by loudlashadjuster on Sunday 12th January 09:03

McClure

2,173 posts

145 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Very much want. Black with orange interior please.

EricE

1,945 posts

128 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
I want one too. In my opinion this is the most beautiful car since the 8C.
Of course realistically I’d have to go with a F80 M3 for of all the wrong reasons (2 more doors, handling balance, performance, weight, fuel economy, price), but I hope that the F-Type is a sign of things to come from Jaguar in the future. cloud9

Don1

15,936 posts

207 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
I'm thinking that what-ever TVR are relaunching, the F Type in both guises need to be on their 'things to beat' list....

Mattt

16,661 posts

217 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Why is it cheaper than the convertible for all versions but the 'R' when it's a lot more? Typo??

JonnyVTEC

3,001 posts

174 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
There isn't a convertible R so you can't compare prices on the spec...

cologne2792

2,126 posts

125 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
That is quite special !

TRUENOSAM

763 posts

169 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Having driven a few myself through work I can say they really are quite special. The extra body stiffness is very present. The "R" is something to be appreciated for sure

Kenny Powers

2,618 posts

126 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Fabulous looking machine.

Good article, Chris. And you're right, Jaguar will have no problem selling these, regardless of how it drives. I imagine it'll be a particular success in the USA. This car is very good news for Jaguar, which is very good news for anyone who likes manufacturers to continue investing vast sums of money in developing fantastic cars.

Where's the bloody video?! biggrin

Layacable

815 posts

207 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Forkin ell that looks good...

goron59

397 posts

170 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
At the F-Type (soft top) launch, I upset the Jaguar man by saying the storage space was a deal breaker and I'd wait for the hard top version.

"Look!" he said, "you can fit a golf bag in the back!" It's true, you could, but the bag was empty and I don't play golf (and was slightly put off by the implication of the type of customer).

So really, all I wanted to hear from this piece was: can you actually take the wife and go for a blast around Europe for a week and still have room for a change of clothes?

Sounds like a yes, so might have to revisit Mr Jaguar.

tony wright

1,004 posts

249 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Kenny Powers said:
Fabulous looking machine.

Good article, Chris. And you're right, Jaguar will have no problem selling these, regardless of how it drives. I imagine it'll be a particular success in the USA. This car is very good news for Jaguar, which is very good news for anyone who likes manufacturers to continue investing vast sums of money in developing fantastic cars.

Where's the bloody video?! biggrin
Wonder if Jaguar will do what it normally does and start offering discounts six months after it's launch.

PunterCam

1,069 posts

194 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Just looked up the dimensions for these, and was surprised - it's basically the same length as a 911... I've only seen a couple of f-types on the road, but they looked enormous - like an imported American car... Attractive, but clearly not scaled for our little island!

I always imagine cars like these to be the size of the last TVRs, but the F-Type is half a metre longer than a T350... Yes, it's rivals are the same(ish) size (perhaps lower and narrower), but they all seem to hide it better... The F-Type just looks big, and as a result, the details - which look good in print - look clunky and, well, American... It's not a good looking car on the road.

Weight doesn't bother me as much - it seems only Porsche know how to make an affordable sports car light - and I love the idea of a British born hot rod, but it just doesn't seem very British... My sense of the car (and that's the bit that buys things) says that's a bad thing.

But! I haven't seen a couple yet - maybe it's a different proposition. We shall see.

007 VXR

64,187 posts

186 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Yes please lick

oldtimer2

728 posts

132 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
Your questions: "What is it about the truncated, high-arse, long-snouted coupe format that delivers so consistently?"
The answer: "It is a phallus on wheels".

Comments on a couple of earlier comments. Jaguar is offering a set of luggage designed to fit the available space; alternatively fit your own soft bags. It should be a feasible touring car when required for that purpose if you travel light. The man at my local Jaguar dealer also commented that there is no point specifying the space save spare because there is nowhere to put the full sized wheel in the car when it is removed. So that space can be available too.

Somehow I don`t think the F-Type will be selling at a discount any time soon.

kambites

67,462 posts

220 months

Sunday 12th January 2014
quotequote all
PunterCam said:
Just looked up the dimensions for these, and was surprised - it's basically the same length as a 911... I've only seen a couple of f-types on the road, but they looked enormous - like an imported American car... Attractive, but clearly not scaled for our little island!

I always imagine cars like these to be the size of the last TVRs, but the F-Type is half a metre longer than a T350... Yes, it's rivals are the same(ish) size (perhaps lower and narrower), but they all seem to hide it better... The F-Type just looks big, and as a result, the details - which look good in print - look clunky and, well, American... It's not a good looking car on the road.

Weight doesn't bother me as much - it seems only Porsche know how to make an affordable sports car light - and I love the idea of a British born hot rod, but it just doesn't seem very British... My sense of the car (and that's the bit that buys things) says that's a bad thing.

But! I haven't seen a couple yet - maybe it's a different proposition. We shall see.
I think it's the width that stands out. It's beautiful looking thing, especially by the standards of modern cars, but for me cars of that width just don't work on the types of road I drive on.

As someone said above, I think the boot will make a big difference to the desirability of it. The drop-top was a sports-GT which you can't use as a GT, which is a bit odd.