Jaguar F-Type: Road Test Review - XCAR

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The new Jaguar F-Type. It's the firm's new two-seater sports car and its first in over five decades.
Of course Jaguar has released sporty cars since its last two-seater sports car, the E-Type. None, however, have captured the imagination or grabbed the senses quite as much as the E. Until, Jaguar hopes, now.
The F-Type has pressure on its muscular shoulders. Jaguar's 50+ year absence from the sports car market has made yearning hearts grow fonder, but it's also given Porsche, Audi, Aston Martin and the like time to catch up, overtake and shine in the gap that formerly contained a leaping cat.
Making a car that's merely 'alright' isn't going to cut it. Neither is making a car that's 'very good'. It's got to be the absolute shit. Pleasingly, the F-Type hits the mark with aplomb.
Anyone with eyes can see that Jaguar's design team has done an incredible job on the looks front. Despite not being in step with the design language of Jaguar's more traditional line up, it's unmistakeably a Jaguar. It's beautifully balanced and offers cues to its heritage -- its rear, for example, is remarkably similar to the E-Type's...
There's also a tonne of engineering knowhow in there. The F-Type has to be both light and stiff to give it the performance Jaguar desired. Its bonnet for example, weighs just 15kgs.
Underneath its exquisitely crafted hood there's space for one of three engines -- two versions of a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 (340bhp and 380bhp) or a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 (495bhp). The basic F-Type comes with the 340bhp V6 -- it sounds like an old F1 car and its performance is enough to make the hairs on your hairs go all wibbly. The V6 S gets the 380bhp engine and builds on the basic car not only with performance, but with toys. You get adaptive damping, a 'noise' button to make its dual pipes sing that little bit louder, bigger brakes and a limited slip differential. The V8 S gets all that and more... largely, though, the V8 S is a draw for its guttural, antisocially loud exhaust pipes. Driving it through Spanish villages early in the morning (as we did during filming) I felt guilty. Even with the car in 'normal' mode its quad exhausts were making so much fuss I was expecting to be told off. I wouldn't have cared, mind...
Thanks to a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution the F-Type is a pleasure to drive. It leaps from corner to corner and doesn't threaten to bite you as others would. If it does twitch, it's easy to fix thanks to its frankly awesome steering. You know where the wheels are and can feel everything beneath you. You feel safe, you feel secure, you feel pretty awesome.
No matter which engine you go for, the F-Type will delight and excite you. The V8 S will annoy your neighbours and propel you along like cat with a firecracker up its arse, while the entry level V6 will delight the old school. The V6 cars, incidentally, are set up for handling prowess, while the V8 is for straight line thrills.
Personally, I'd take the entry level car -- it does everything you need it to and, frankly, my driving isn't good enough to use all the computer trickery on offer in the higher spec cars.
I'll leave you with this -- the F-Type range can take on pretty much every performance car on offer. The V6 stares hungrily at the Porsche Boxster, the V6 S is eyeing up the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the V8 S? That's lookin' at you Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster. If I were them... I'd be worried.
Specs
Engine: 3.0-litre Supercharged V6, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8
Power: 340-495bhp
Torque: 332-460lb ft
0-60mph: 5.3-4.3seconds
Top speed: 161-186mph
Written/Presented: Alex Goy
Shot by: Nick Wilkinson
Edited by: Drew Stearne
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[@sammyhtb]

My new favorite car channel along with drive, everyday driver and motortend!

[@Braselton21]

sammyhtb You have great taste ;)

[@ordguy]

This is the first time I'm watching a video on this channel... Big thumbs up for the presenter... The video is amazingly well made....

[@whiskeyactual.]

Saw one the other day on my way home but it was on the other side of the highway. Yes it stood out that much that it caught my eye from that far away. Good job Jag its about freaking time.

[@Chu_Strums]

Thank goodness for HD.

[@Yartin]

It's a shame you have to put a licence plate on such a beauty

[@sbharj24]

This is the first time i've seen an xcar review, you we're awesome, i'm now subscribed

[@ThomasFerrugia]

British reviewers ALWAYS fawn over Jaguars and Range Rovers, so it's hard to imagine this guy is totally objective. He seems to love the car a bit 'too much' - especially since I've read several reviews in popular magazines that found it to be fine, fun to drive, but not without flaws. This weird hero worship that make men imagine they have to thrust greatness upon any car with '-Type' in its name doesn't seem to extend beyond England.

[@lindaganpot492]

this is my dream car, one of the most beautiful car i have ever seen besides the E type. I would love to own this car very soon and enjoy the beauty of it.

[@josephtomb01]

The F-Type is amazingly beautiful, and just sounds so damn mean. Great work Jag.

[@Pankieblah]

Awesome review guys! And by the way, I need that sound in my life too.

[@DavisBrendon29]

That exhaust note is FANTASTIC!

[@stavros969]

Great video, well done XCAR.

[@Braselton21]

Young people love this car but only old people can afford it :(

[@ThomasFerrugia]

You' may be surprised. I recently bought a fully-optioned 2014 V8S Roadster (with 6,450 miles on the odometer) from a local MINI Dealer's pre-owned sales department. It has nearly a year remaining on the full factory warranty AND I paid less than 60% of the original MSRP. Jaguars values sink like bricks tossed into a river -- bad-news for anyone who insists on buying new -- a GIFT to the rest of us!

[@DK4Code]

Thomas Ferrugia rn the v8 2014 is going for 40-50k, about half already lol

[@ThomasFerrugia]

@@DK4Code : I bought my car over 2 years ago. Of course it's had additional depreciation since then. However, since Jaguar is likely going to permanently eliminate the V8 in 2021, I'm hanging on to this thing for a while :-)

[@MegaSuperState]

I'm actually an Engineer at Jaguar so I'm a living encyclopedia on these things. Yes you're right they're exactly the same engine, they are just mapped different to suit the driving feel they should have. If I were you I would keep my eyes open for an F-Type R. After the release of the XJ-R, the R team probably fancy a new project.

[@MrMontagio]

This is one of the best reviews I've ever seen on a car.

[@GAMEOHOLIK]

I'am quite surprised, great quality of videos. I looked most of videos, I like the way you lead and speak, great stuff, great work! 1st time here and SUB, thats what we want to see. No more TV bullshit.

[@niloy1187]

Did I notice the paddle shifts having a very neat little orange tinge to them? Super classy as always, JLR!

[@SuryaDe]

Excellent review as usual! Keep up the great work! I love this channel!

[@iagorincon]

I just love how unhinged and mean this car sounds! I just can't wait for the coupe!

[@Cerberus221]

A bit addictive is an understatement. Can't wait to drive my R everyday especially when the sun is out. This car is awesome and so much fun.

[@samthemanNE]

absolutely stunning. jaguar still amazes me how they consistently design gorgeous cars. well done jag. pure beauty...

[@robertdowney8561]

Your cameraman is amazing :O

[@srk7555]

Thanks. We appreciate it. We did a really quick video on it at the 2013 DC Auto Show but are scheduled to get our hands on one tomorrow for a full review. If all goes well... we should have the review up and running in about two weeks. It really is an amazing machine that I can't wait to get my hands on..:) Steve

[@dlb18]

Nice review, can't wait for hard top version.

[@lhmartin101]

heyy steve....thanks for the update....m sure it sounds awesome...cant wait for the review....wish i could meet you guys...!!!...

[@hickipedia]

Absolutely gorgeous! Great review, getting better and better.

[@tanner87]

great review, the car's stunning and we got a little bit of the Jaguar history too!....thanks!

[@willbleft]

I think he liked it!, fantastic review and nice comment on a manual option, great channel, subscribed instantly!

[@Raige24]

Videos are well produced, but you guys have got to do something about the mic volume. Unless you're wearing headphones its almost impossible to discern what's being said. Great video again!

[@ruphobic]

finally a good car review channel on KZbin....

[@BobABooey.]

I climbed all over one yesterday, it's not cheap looking at all. They did a great job with this one.

[@stefanwagner1169]

Well done, Alex! Love the review!

[@tigersbb12469]

That's a proper noise and a proper look.

[@Arctic222Avenger]

Finally a british motoring journalist that isn't annoying or boring to listen to (apart from Top Gear crew, obviously)

[@trancendedmindpalace]

Never been all that interested in Jags, but this review has me curious!

[@MarkCalica]

I love this Jag, can't wait to see one here in the US.

[@seth260389]

Really great review mate!

[@srk7555]

It was a beautiful, sunny and HOT day today...so we were able to film 90% of the video and should finish taping the rest of it in the next week or so. It's going to be very cooooool. The car is amazing and the exhaust sound is unbelievable! Plus I got a great "face sunburn" from driving the droptop all day..! I had such a great time behind the wheel. Hope you enjoy our work..:) Steve

[@AdamKellar]

Way to go, Jaguar :) I wish you included more samples of the 6cyl, I actually really like its noise too!

[@alvaro1728]

I need that noise in my life too. :-) I test drove it today and it's just fantastic. I can't wait to drive it on a daily basis. (Great review BTW.)

[@Ayyyy90]

NO, I need that sound in my life

[@brasconator]

thumbs up to have Jay Leno review the new F-Type

[@doozerboy2005]

The noise this car makes is AMAZING!

[@TwoSwift651]

His opening statement, "Yup this is as good as you think it is" lol

[@thepimpnerd]

Dear God that music coming out of its ass end makes Mozart sound like he was banging pots and pans together.

[@RomanNamorr]

wow, jaguar has changed his image, thats a really nice car! and the rear of it reminds me a little to the camaro, very cool btw nice review!

[@Mavinski1]

beauty and performance ... going to own one i have to...the coupe tho

[@thebeardedonecampos]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL looking car! Sad part is if it didn't have any sort of branding on it I would Have never guessed it was a jaguar

[@WarriorWalrus]

That is one of the beautiful car I have seen in a long time!

[@RushBuzzing]

While I do like the progressive nature of the direction that Jaguar has taken, nothing will ever replace the XKE for good looks and sheer visceral attitude. The F type has more than a hint of Transformer about it, to me. Best of luck.

[@abumperevening]

Nice review... I'm both a Porsche and Jaguar guy (have one of each) and I always find it amusing when people say, "well, a Porsche is faster..." Okay, yes, but they also beat you up more in ride and can be almost intolerably noisy with tire and road roar on certain surfaces. This new Jaguar (hopefully) keeps the same great ride/handling balance they've had for years... they are so much more refined than the Germans... be a shame to lose that.

[@alreadyou]

do i want one ? OH YES I,WANT ONE NOW !!! ive not had a jag for 7 years,but i,m getting one in 6 months time cant wait.

[@swapnilthakur6855]

THAT SOUND!!

[@JDakaJammo]

1st time here, due to topgear and loved it, quality review! subbed & will be checking out the rest.

[@BANDANA960]

wow nice review review dude.....keep it up

[@15725867905]

I love the convertible, but the concept version was a coupe, which was stunning! I hope they make it and that one day I can afford to own a piece of Jag history. Also, as a side note, I really hope they keep the car pure and don't try to screw you with pricing for chrome washer nozzles and the like, something nice about a pure car.

[@kolhepushkar]

Agreed! It is British, Land Rover as well, but one can not deny that Tata has brought them back into business and not BMW or Ford. It is good to see best engineering with best management.

[@EsquireQuinton]

Although the wooden paddle shifters are nicer than any that I've seen before, there's no getting over the fact that I'd still prefer a manual transmission. I don't mean to sound like a "fanboy" but that's the only way to fall in love w/ a car in my opinion. As regards to Jaguar trying to bring in younger buyers, I just turned 18 last month so that shows that there are a few soon-to-be Jag buyers that'd love a manual & clutch pedal. Either way this is a stunning that I would be honored to have.

[@TOP.G]

Its very nice car I wish I could have one of them :-) and its great way to show everything about the car well done guys I really like it and because of u lot. Biggest like and u deserve it

[@re20bt]

one of the most stunning cars in years!

[@boyhash1]

One question. How is the cabin size? Would a 6'2" guy feel too cramped to enjoy it?

[@akajackjhb9782]

Good review and jaw dropping Jag ...

[@Leonis1989]

It has one. It's following a very iconic car. Which means loyalists to the E-type will never think the F-type is good enough, even if it's chasing James Bond, sprouts wings and does a barrel roll over the Himalayan mountains.

[@MinaBassilious]

Exquisite video. Fantastic job.

[@detud0m]

Well done, guys. Bit long (by about 5 minutes), but stunning stuff.

[@darwandoo]

Good review. Well done

[@run4urmony]

How did you guys block out all the wind/engine noise??

[@ProjectCentauri2011]

When TopGear likes your video, you know it's good.

[@Altruistic00]

I have to agree.that rear end and the tail lights looks really wonderful and one of the sexiest i've seen in a long time.

[@Kimo0950]

Has the back of a Z8 and, the dame sound as the XKR I've been driving for 3 years(which is not an entirely bad thing but, im used to it).I didn't liked the ZF 6spd in the XK because of the way it changed speed...it felt slushy, and it seems like the new 8 spd is the same. But, props to Jag, it does look good! And A car that size with the V8!! Oh yeah!!

[@MrDammik1]

That's one very good review of what appears to be a very good looking and exciting car. I'm a huge Porsche fan, but i would definetly concider buying the Jag. It looks stunning, and the V8 - jizz in my pants. And surely Aston Martin have to come with a new Vantage or Jag will simply steal their customers. Now I'm just waiting for Chris Harris to review it:)

[@coolsdon]

5.53....That's an unbelievably pretty look..!! ...MELTS..!

[@AsitorCorporation]

When I first heard the f type engine in this video, I recorded it and saved it as my ringtone.

[@hondanorway]

i just got home from the premiere unveiling of the car here in Norway and my thoughts is that its just like the previous XK8 only they call it something else to catch peoples emotion... Similar design, same engines etc, nothing that really emphasises what the E-type was about... Oh, And the design of the prototype was much better than the final result...

[@GroppaRacing]

Jaguar and their V8 sounds

[@fgcpeak9591]

The E-Type is unbelievably good looking

[@Illya2708]

+1 Happy at least one reviewer said that it should have a manual option!

[@GustheSig]

Excellent review

[@lightbulbisbright]

Which is more fun, this or the xkr-s?

[@WasstschoBasstscho]

Utterly magnificent video + car!

[@kolhepushkar]

This comment is for me, so that I can listen that thunder over and over again 10:01

[@ReluctantWarrior]

The reason Jaguar has always been a kick-ass brand his because they always have a good balance between luxury and speed.

[@sachin1006]

Great review!

[@Meh634]

Can't believe I've driven this car. Such a wonderful ride!

[@DMaster27]

"We are a good design team" Damn rite!

[@vatxal]

Amazing review, THANK YOU!!

[@StylinRed]

Nice review takes a lot of inspiration from Top Gear but that's far from a bad thing, thaks

[@ARocaCron]

2min going and subscribe...very good review!

[@SuperMito21]

whats better to drive ... brz or f-type?

[@spencer19811]

Awesome car and awesome review

[@18PaulH]

Here in holland I got the German auto motor und sport channel on TV and they do exactly the same. We are one world.

[@dlb18]

Nice review, I can't wait for h

[@proplan88131]

Great Review , Thankyou

[@techGarcia]

Beautiful roads in Spain! at 1:18 "Puente la Reina" in Navarra.

[@SupercarsGT]

The best looking Jaguar

[@gam88a]

But very different cars also. The GT-R is one heck of a performance package and no F-Type would even get close to it on track. What the F-Type has though is looks and interior with a good amount of luxury. The F-Type has its place but look at it more of a rather sporty GT car than a supercar or sports car.

[@corporaal1]

You my man, can be a good Top Gear presenter.

[@SirMosesWellington]

I'd take this over just about any sports car available today...if it had a hard top. I really hope that it's coming.

[@maatsku]

This is better than the autocar's review!!!

[@DiegoVeracruz]

That sporty, fancy look, with those aggresive curves. Are all two-door coupés going to look similarly? (obviously, I meant Toyota GT86, which is fabulous car by the way)