2014 Jaguar F-Type Video Review

Some of the most beautiful and powerful cars on the road today are assembled in England.  And though we have long since declared our independence, this is the kind of British command no red blooded American could refuse.  Meet the all-new, 495-horsepower Jaguar F-Type V8 S.

Jaguar’s resurgence continues.  Already stocked with a stable of sexy speed machines, the one car that has eluded the brand for some time is a true sports car.  But with the introduction of the aluminum-laden F-Type, that void is immediately filled.  When you shop the all-supercharged model range, you could opt for a 340 horsepower V6, step up to the S variant of the same engine raising the ante to 380 horsepower or go all in with this fire-breathing V8 S model.  But for your wallet’s sake, just don’t drive this one first because once you do there’s no looking back.

Though there are three different engine outputs for the F-Type, this supercharged V8 is top-dog.  So if you like the feeling of instantaneous torque mounting ridiculous acceleration then you’re absolutely going to love this V8 S model.

With a starting price of almost $93,000 this kind of awesomeness doesn’t come cheaply, but the power hungry and speed freaks will have their F-Type in no other way.  No matter if you use the Dynamic Launch Mode or simply mash and hang on, this Jag hammers through acceleration runs with shocking urgency.  The company lists a 0-to-60mph time of 4.2-seconds but that’s conservative.  Getting there in fewer than 4 is not a problem.  With 460 foot pounds of torque working through a ZF 8-speed Quickshift Automatic and electronically controlled limited slip, these 20” Pirelli P Zeros – 295 wide in the rear – have a monumental task of getting this car to stick.  And because it’s been really cold here and the tires like warm, dry pavement, I often used the winter mode until things warmed up.  And it’s not until then that the F-Type is ready to make a gentleman’s hand shake with the driver – instilling the needed confidence to charge through the turns and exit with ear rattling authority.  Steering is quick and reactive as the paddle’s fire off the next gear.  And the amply padded sport seats with adjustable side bolsters keep you situated and comfortable.  The Adaptive Dynamics Suspension – a double wishbone setup – keeps the F-Type aggressive though compliant, not quite as forgiving as an XK but closer than you’d think.  And a configurable Dynamic mode allows for as much tire smoking oversteer playtime as you can handle.

When I think back to some of the most memorable sounding cars I’ve driven, like a Z06 or an AMG this F-Type has got to be right up there as one of the most bodacious.  With this active selective exhaust system you’re just a button push away from complete craziness.

It pops and spits as you let off the throttle – just magnificent.  But as a good roadster should, the F-Type is unobtrusive to top-down conversations.  Mine is also equipped with the much appreciated heated seats and steering wheel and as you would expect from a Jaguar – it completely oozes with cool – with features like these pop out door handles and disappearing vents.  But sorry, no telescoping gear shifter for this car.  With a host of options this fully loaded F-Type V8 S is priced at $102,770  – perhaps the only legitimate F-Type criticism I can dole out.  It even returns very respectable gas mileage of 16mpg city/23mpg highway.  Though white would be my last choice, it certainly has the look, more power than you could ever need, a soundtrack sports car lovers drool over and a sports car drive that’s the real deal.