Rumbling
under the hood is a massive V8 supercharged engine that purred at idle, growled
when throttled and would backfire with an insanely addictive snap, crackle and
pop if you were to suddenly go off-throttle. Very much like those WWII Spitfire
Fighter planes of yore.
Alas, if
you thought the F-Type sounded a wee bit familiar, you are absolutely correct.
Being the spiritual successor to the highly regarded Jaguar E-Type launched in
the 1960s, the new car definitely has very big shoes to fill, seeing which till
this date, many consider the E-Type one of the
greatest Jags ever built.
The Jaguar F-Type is
as good to drive as it is to behold - but at a material and financial cost
The F-Type
is powered by a choice of two V6 or V8 supercharged engines while featuring
purposeful styling cues and a very posh driver-focused cabin. For now, the
F-Type is available in convertible form only but come mid-2014, a hard top
variant should be arriving on our shores.
Entry level
V6 F-Types produce 335 bhp while the S variant pumps
out an additional 40 more horses. Our test car however was the top of the range
V8 S pumping out an astonishing 488 bhp and 625 Nm of
torque. S models feature adaptive dampers for better drive ability and an
active exhaust system that packs a spectacular engine/exhaust note.
Taking the
F-Type to any of our tunneled expressways in Singapore and let it rip, with the
top down, I will assure you, it will be like nothing your ears have ever heard
before, in a very good way of course and so full of character, unlike the
high-pitch screaming from the other rather common exotics that ply our roads.
Aside from the exhaust
button, the F-Type has the usual array of on-board entertainment, including DAB
as standard
Visually,
the F-Type is every bit as stunning as its predecessor, its short boot and
svelte tail lamps are obvious nods to the E-Type while modern lines and fine
details give the new Jag a polished look that’s in-line with current market
trends. Perfectly proportionate from nearly every angle, the F-Type is
literally overflowing with charisma.
The canvas
top is just as refined with its chic lines that compliment wonderfully with the
bodywork and folds up and down in 12 seconds flat. This can even be done at
speeds of up to 40 km/h, particularly useful if it starts to rain while you are
driving. The V8 S that I test drove comes with massive alloy wheels and
quad-pipes at the back. Venturing inside switchgears are
of impeccable quality while the whole dashboard has been angled directly at the
driver, mimicking a airplane’s cock-pit draped in
leather on nearly every inch.
Forward-hinged bonnet
is different, but heavy and awkward. Washer bottle has been moved rearwards to
aid weight distribution
On the
move, the F-Type is simply superb. For a soft drop-top having nearly
non-existent body twist, vibrations and outside audio disturbances is very
impressive, throw the big cat into a high-speed corner and you will be rewarded
with amazing body control and 50:50 rear-wheel driven weight distribution.
Steering is just as impressive, quick and precise inputs coupled with dollops
of grip allow the driver to really attack bendy tarmac with surgical-like
precision. This all adds up to a thoroughly involving driving experience.
Standard
across the board is the F-Type’s Dynamic Mode which turns the V8 S into a
proper street weapon by sharpening throttle response, increasing steering
weight and shortens the ultra-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission’s gear
ratios.
In short,
the F-Type is the most rigid car Jaguar has ever developed, equipped with a
two-stage stability control that ensures even the worst drivers will not be
caught off-guard even in the worst road conditions. The V6 S gets a mechanical
limited-slip differential (LSD) for better traction but the V8 S one ups that
with an advanced electronically controlled differential and a massive brake
system for shredding speed in micro-seconds.
The F-Type V8 S gets a
deployable spoiler to reduce lift at speed. It pops up at 60 mph and stays up
until speed falls below 40 mph
The F-Type
is every bit I imagined it to be when I first laid eyes on it, in fact, I dare
say it’s even better than I ever dreamed of. The poise and striking exterior
exude sheer class and yet at the same time those aggressive lines and contours
will leave any petrol head salivating. I was already sold on the looks alone.
And just
when you thought it couldn’t get better, I depressed the engine start button,
and got blown away each time the V8 roared to life. Hearing that maniacal growl
and the exhaust at the back crackling away every time the Jag picked up speed
is pure bliss. I absolutely adore this car and I think everyone else will agree
with me.
