500 horsepower Jaguar F-Type V8 is a brutal beauty (pictures)
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is easily one of the most beautiful rides to pass though the Car Tech garage.
Antuan Goodwin
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles.
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Based on the C-X16 concept, the F-Type somehow manages to retain nearly all of the design touches that made the concept coupe beautiful. However, the concept's hybrid power train didn't make the cut.
A large central grill opening is flanked by smaller gill-like intakes. Below it, a black aerodynamic splitter keeps the front end planted at speed. Optional active headlamps steer into corners at night and automatically disable their high beams when oncoming traffic is detected.
The front end is evocative of Jaguar's other sports coupe/convertible, the Jaguar XK. Some observers criticized it for looking a bit like a catfish, but I think it's gorgeous.
The F-Type comes standard with 18-inch wheels, but our V8 S model rolled on 20-inch Cyclone Wheels with a silver finish. Inside, you'll spy the Jaguar Super Performance Braking System, the largest stoppers available on the F-Type.
A supercharged V6 is standard, but we were fortunate enough to be able to test the top-spec, 5.0-liter supercharged V8. Power is rated at 495 horses with 460 pound-feet of torque on tap.
Regardless of engine, the torque is multiplied by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with Sport and manual shift programs. Paddle shifters are standard; on S models, they're copper-colored to match the Engine Start button and Drive Mode Selector.
The copper Drive Mode Selector allows drivers to quickly put the F-Type into its most aggressive Dynamic setting with the pull of a switch. Suspension, steering, throttle response, and engine output are all sharpened. There's also a Snow mode that increases traction in wet or slick conditions.
An optional package unlocks the ability to customize the Dynamic mode to meet their needs. Want hardcore engine and throttle response, but a softer suspension setting? How about more power, but casual shifting? "My Dynamic" is where you'll set it.
In addition to the motorized spoiler and top, the Jaguar's door handles and climate control vents are also motorized, hiding away when not in use for a smooth appearance.
Many thousands of dollars worth of Premium Leather and Color Seats packages make the Jaguar's cabin a pleasant place to be. Even without these touches, the cockpit is intuitively laid-out and comfortable for the driver.
Automatic climate controls and heated seats are optional. Rather than making the driver access a menu, Jaguar cleverly integrates all of the controls into just three dials with central LCDs that can be tapped to activate the seat heaters.
Tech isn't this roadster's strongest point -- at least, dashboard tech isn't. The Jaguar navigation system is serviceable, but you'll find better infotainment in a Hyundai Veloster, which is a bit of a shame for a vehicle in this price range, with the BMW Z4 roadster breathing down its neck.
Tap a button on the center console and an internal valve opens, bypassing part of the exhaust's silencer and freeing up exhaust flow. The result is a remarkably louder exhaust note during acceleration, a satisfying burble while idling, and racecar-like popping and barking during downshifts.
Designed as a roadster from the ground up, the Jaguar's fabric roof hides away in seconds at the touch of a button and keeps weight down versus a hard top.
There's a lot to love about this brash and brutal beauty, but with a starting price of $92,000, the F-Type V8 S had us doing sticker shocked double takes. As tested, our example cleared $102,000, putting it into 911 Carerra Cabriolet territory.
I'd guess that most drivers will find more value to match their thrills by choosing one of the V6 models, which still output 340 or 380 horsepower depending on the trim level. Even then, a Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4 are both much less expensive. Neither looks this good, though.
