Nearly four decades after the last E-Type rolled off the production line at Browns Lane plant, Coventry, Jaguar’s new F-TYPE was borne. It proved to be quite a wait…but certainly well worth it, as the new model has all the ingredients to make it a truly worthy spiritual successor to Jaguar’s iconic 1960s/70s roadster.

Visually the F-TYPE embodies the uncompromised design vision of the stunning Jaguar C-X16 Concept Sports Coupé that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the front of the F-TYPE features a new interpretation of the bold angular Jaguar grille from which flows the muscular clamshell bonnet with its signature ‘power bulge’. Other key front visual features are the shark-like gills on either side of the grille and bi-xenon headlamp and integral LED daytime running lights. At the rear, muscular rear haunches sweep dramatically around the low tail, giving a powerful stance, while full LED rear lamps create a new Jaguar sports car signature by reinterpreting classic cues from the past.

The F-TYPE is available in four versions:  V6, V6 S, V8 S and V8 R - all models use a complete one-piece aluminum construction and have been developed to give unrivaled structural rigidity.

Tested here is the second most powerful model in the range – the V8 S. As soon as you press the starter button, the 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine enthusiastically roars into life and for good reason. With 495PS, and 625 Nm of torque, it’s ferociously quick– pickup is pretty much instantaneous (thanks to a responsive eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift transmission) and it’ll accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, storming on to a 186 mph top speed. The Jaguar Performance Braking system (354/325mm discs front/rear) stops the car as vigorously as the gutsy motor propels it forwards to a full-bodied muscle car sound track. This F-TYPE model gets adaptive adjustable suspension which provides a good deal of pliancy while maintaining a good handling balance, if verging more on the side of GT, rather than sports car. However, selecting dynamic mode tightens up the dampers to deliver a firmer, more focused ride. The steering also offers lots of feedback and feel, making the F-Type feel poised, fluid and stable – even in wet conditions.

Refinement levels are also good for a sports car. Although the engine is nearly always audible, with the roof up, wind and road roar are well contained. Roof down (a process taking around 12 seconds) there’s obviously more noise but buffeting is rarely an issue, thanks to a wind deflector that sits between the rear rollover hoops.

Once inside the cabin, you settle into the deep, bolstered sports seats and immediately feel cocooned and snug, enveloped by the well-crafted leather covered dashboard and high centre console adorned with infotainment screen and retro-styled switches. The elegance is completed by a well-honed gear selector, starter switch and vent controls that rotate upon startup. 

F-TYPE is a strict two-seater, but those two passengers certainly get plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom. The boot can’t hold much luggage though, being small and rather awkwardly shaped.

All F-TYPE’S come with Xenon headlights, climate control, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, satellite-navigation and part electric seats. V8 models also get full leather upholstery as standard, although you’ll still have to pay for optional keyless entry, heated seats, parking aid and 380W 10 speaker Meridian audio system - the sound of which almost rivals that of the engine, with deep bass and clear open mid and high frequencies.

 

Verdict:

Without doubt the Jaguar F-TYPE is a thoroughbred sports car – and an eminently worthy successor to the legendry E-TYPE. This V8 S is seriously rapid and delivers near supercar performance.

 

Tech spec:

Jaguar F-TYPE V8 S
Base OTR Price: £80,005
Price as tested, with options: £85,295
Engine: 5.0-litre V8 supercharged
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Max power: 495 PS
Max torque: 625 Nm
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: 186mph
Claimed combined mpg: 25.5
CO2 emissions: g/km) 259