24 hours with an F type V8R Coupe

[andymadmak]

Well, I handed it back today...... and it has left me feeling bereft.

For those who have yet to try this car, be prepared to have your socks blown off. It is simply superb.

Likes:

The steering
The sound track
The sheer ease of access of the (hugely impressive) levels of performance
The effect it had on my girlfriend (snigger)
The gearbox
The looks
The practicality
The handling
The little surprise and delight features
The ability to waft like a limo in near silence at one moment, and then sound like the Russian defence of Stalingrad the next
The smiles it puts on peoples faces as you gurgle by in sport mode, sounding like you're looking for something to kill to death...


Dislikes:
The entertainment system is a tad clunky
The seats take a while to get set just right
It's not THAT roomy, but just about roomy enough
No decent finance purchase deals available yet

A breath taking achievement by Jaguar. Anyone want to buy my Maserati?

[simo1863]

I was lucky enough to have one for a week and loved it!

Went straight into a V12 SL65 after and despite being worth twice as much (and still very good, even a lot more powerful) I just didn't enjoy it as much. That noise was just everything I could ever want.

And whilst he didn't have much space I could still get the dog in the boot!

Be interested to hear someone whose driven that and the V6 (hard) back to back and can comment on whether there is a bit of imbalance in the V8 in comparison?

[Stuperbulous]

I've had the chance to max out a V6S Coupe and an R and drive them hard. My choice would be a V6S with CCM. I think that would offer the best mix of agility, braking and performance.

Don't get me wrong, the R is stunning, if someone handed me the keys I wouldn't be disappointed. I think the V6S is more useable in terms of its power delivery, more tractable.

[comrie]

Stuperbulous said:

I've had the chance to max out a V6S Coupe and an R and drive them hard. My choice would be a V6S with CCM. I think that would offer the best mix of agility, braking and performance.

Don't get me wrong, the R is stunning, if someone handed me the keys I wouldn't be disappointed. I think the V6S is more useable in terms of its power delivery, more tractable.

Interesting so if you could spec your own personal f type what would it be including colour and options

cheers stv

[Riccardino]

Would love to try the Coupe or have it for a day or a week

With the convertible the V8 on track was epic and the sound fantastic but I did like the V6S more. Less physical to drive, more precise.

[Little Lofty]

Very interesting feature in this weeks Autocar, F-Type R v R8 v 911 TurboS v Nissan GTR, there is high praise indeed for the R.

[DSLiverpool]

Can I ask if the quality is there, ie the XFR is shiny stuff but no real quality feel, I would really hope the F is different? They have offered a finance deal out the blue but after the XFR I'm sceptical.

[andymadmak]

DSLiverpool said:

Can I ask if the quality is there, ie the XFR is shiny stuff but no real quality feel, I would really hope the F is different? They have offered a finance deal out the blue but after the XFR I'm sceptical.

Hmmmmm. Well, yes and no. Some bits are great, but here and there are places where its not quite right. The cladding for the transmission tunnel swithch panel does not quite integrate properly with the main tunnel, and the door cards could be better. The glove box is spectacularly shonky, but the seats and upper facia are great. Body fit is fine, and overall the car does exude a sense of solidity and quality. Better than an XF imho..

[Stuperbulous]

comrie said:

Interesting so if you could spec your own personal f type what would it be including colour and options

cheers stv

I would have; V6S, Dark Sapphire, Performance seats with premium leather in Ivory or Camel, Suede cloth upper environment. Pano roof, park pack and CCM brakes.