Test Drive:
2018 Jaguar F-Type Coupe
By Vince Bodiford
Jaguar brand conveys the idea of vehicles that are beautiful and fast – and the 2018 Jaguar F-Type delivers that promise. Photos by JAGUAR.
English exotic is a thrill to drive
The name Jaguar itself spurs the imagination and brings to mind the storied cars of today and yesterday wearing that brand – cars that are beautiful and fast. From the earliest days to today, we expect our senses to be overwhelmed behind the wheel or riding in any Jaguar. The 2018 Jaguar F-Type dishes that out in no small measure. Available in closed coupe and convertible, we chose the open-air ragtop for this test. Bottom line: it’s a pure thrill to drive.
This is not an every-day high volume car, but rather a very specialized machine that is much like putting on your Sunday best or finest watch for a special occasion. It that realm, it is indeed automotive jewelry.
Already recognized as the most dynamically capable and performance-oriented Jaguar, the F-TYPE sports car continues to evolve for 2018, with a fresh look, new powertrain options and the addition of standard technology features previously unavailable.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:
MSRP starting at $59,990 plus shipping and fees.
(Easily optioned-up to over $100k).
Fuel economy estimates range from 20-mpg city to 28-mpg highway.
Built by Jaguar Land Rover in England.
Vehicle Highs: Beautiful and Fast. Instantly recognizable as a Jaguar. Throaty exhaust note.
Vehicle Lows: Interior is a bit tight. Some center controls are out of easy driver reach.
Top Rivals: Any luxury high-performance coupe, especially the Corvette Stingray and Porsche 911.
Since its launch in 2012, the all-aluminum two-seater has firmly established itself as a strong competitor in its sports car segment and has won nearly 160 awards worldwide. The balance of seductive design, stunning performance and outstanding dynamics has always made the F-TYPE unique.
For the 2018 model year the F-TYPE offers more driver-focused technologies and a broader model range; now comprising of 24 derivatives that include an all-new turbocharged 296-hp Ingenium four-cylinder entry model, a number of supercharged V6 options and even the 200mph, all-wheel drive 575 hp V8 powered F-TYPE SVR.
“Great sports car design is about proportion and purity,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar. “For the F-TYPE, we looked at how we could fine-tune key details to deliver even more clarity of purpose in the overall design – for the driver, the passenger and onlookers.” No doubt, with this car those goals were achieved.
Like the exterior, the interior of the 2018 F-TYPE, evolves into a purer, more concentrated expression of the car’s original elegance and sportiness. The Jaguar interior design team focused on refining a handful of key elements to create a greater sense of harmony in the finishes, enhance the sense of balance between luxury and performance, and to introduce new material options that give the car a more exotic feel.
From day one the F-TYPE has been engineered to provide outstanding agility and response without compromising the day-to-day usability and ride comfort expected from all Jaguar cars.
“We wanted the power and efficiency of the new four-cylinder engine to be matched by levels of responsiveness that would make the F-TYPE driving experience even more engaging and rewarding,” said Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Land Rover. “The result of the intensive development process is an even better balance, an even more connected feel, and enhanced ride comfort. Enthusiasts will want to drive this car: this is a true F-TYPE, with its own unique character.”
The objectives of the Jaguar vision for the F-TYPE have been very well put to metal and leather for 2018, the result quickens the pulse and warms the heart all at once.
Lastly, let’s clear up how the name is pronounced. Jaguar is said “Jag-you-are,” not “Jag,” or worse, “Jag-wire.” You say the word Jaguar with a pronounced English accent – which as it turns out, is exactly how the car is made. It is very English.
For more information, see your local Jaguar dealer or visit www.JaguarUSA.com
Test Drive by Vince Bodiford