Jaguar’s F-Type sports car is more than just a pretty face – it’s a serious sports car that can run with the best the world has to offer. Straddling the gap between entry-level sports machines such as the Audi TT and Porsche Cayman, and more powerful performance legends like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette, Jaguar has finessed its modern-day E-Type with even more features and performance.
Powering the standard F-Type is a 340-horsepower 3.0-litre supercharged V6. It carries on unchanged, as does the V6 S with its 380-hp variant. What’s new is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission – something we didn’t think Jaguar would offer. It’s the first time a stick has been featured on a Jaguar coupe since the XJS, and a welcome addition to the range. Perhaps more pertinent to Canadians, the F-Type V6 and V6 S can also be had with all-wheel drive, though speccing the AWD system requires opting for the eight-speed automatic.
There are upgrades on the V8 front too. Last year’s introduction of the Coupe saw Jaguar forgoing the V8 S for a V8 R model that offers more power. For 2016, that power’s better harnessed as the V8 R now comes with standard all-wheel drive. The F-Type Roadster also gets the R treatment – with more guts, and more grip included. Sadly, there is no rear-drive or manual configuration on offer. With 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque, the F-Type R is able to hit 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 300 km/h. Other improvements on the R front include a new electric power steering system, which aims to boost precision and increase fuel efficiency – hey, every bit counts.
F-Types also get enhanced equipment for the new year. All cars now get standard proximity key with push-button start, and 14-way adjustable power seats. Coupes get a standard glass panoramic sunroof, while V6 S cars get adaptive drive modes, active exhaust, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The R Coupe adds a power-operated fastback, too.
Despite the car’s cutting edge technology, its infotainment system has always been somewhat behind the times. This is no longer the case, thanks to a brand new 8.0-inch display setup that features the new InControl interface. The system is faster than before thanks to its solid-state hard drive and offers improved graphics, plus app connectivity. There’s also a very slick mobile phone app which allows users to lock and unlock their cars, check the fuel level, and remote start the vehicle. All cars also get a 770-watt Meridian audio system as standard equipment.
Pricing for the F-Type Coupe starts at $77,500, with the V6 S selling for $88,500. The R Coupe sells for $117,500. As for the Roadster, prices start at $80,500, with the S selling for $91,500. The most expensive of the lot is the F-Type R Roadster, which carries an MSRP of $120,500.
