In the phrases of that British songbird Adele, singing her traditional James “007” Bond film anthem Skyfall, “This is the end.”
So, shed a tear, do some weeping and wailing, and simply really feel the ache. It appears that after 75 years of building a few of the best two-seaters to roll on 4 wheels, Jaguar goes to give up building sports activities automobiles.
The present F-Type would be the final of the true Big Cats when it roars out of manufacturing later this 12 months. Come 2025, it’ll be all electrified SUVs.
But what a legacy. Starting again in 1948 with the XK120, the lineage has included the likes of the C-Type and D-Type, and the landmark E-Type—nonetheless to me probably the most stunning automobile ever created.
OK, we received’t gush concerning the grand-touring XJS or early XK8s, however the final, aluminum-bodied XKs from 2007 to 2015 nonetheless spin my head each time I spy one on the highway.
So, to mark this solemn event, I felt it my obligation to take pleasure in one final run in a “proper” Jaguar sports activities automobile and spend a number of days with a 2023 F-Type R Coupe and its 575 supercharged horses.
I’ve to say, I’ve by no means been a fan of the F-Type Convertible. Too stubby wanting. Too bland. Not sufficient visible drama. But the Coupe has all the time been a real piece of automotive artwork, with that swoopy roofline, muscles-of-Rambo haunches over the wheels, and mile-long hood.
The Coupe bought a refresh in 2021, which solely added to its gorgeousness. Bigger grille, slimmer LED headlights, new bumpers. Standing nonetheless, it regarded prefer it was hitting its 186mph high velocity on the German autobahn.
Our take a look at automobile—base value $108,500, or $121,780 properly loaded—regarded much more spectacular, courtesy of $4,500-worth of customized paint creatively-titled Desire Deep Red Ultra Metallic. It was like staring right into a glass of classic Merlot.
Climb aboard and the Jaguar high quality and craftsmanship is at its greatest. Body-hugging sports activities seats with gorgeous quilted inserts, stunning double-stitched Windsor leather-based, and embossed R logos within the headrests.
Yes, the cabin nonetheless feels sports activities car-tight, with its low roof and excessive door tops. But the must-have $1,200 fixed-glass roof floods the inside with mild.
Still, a failing is the dearth of space for storing within the cabin. And with no again seat, nevertheless small, the whole lot have to be saved beneath that high-lifting tailgate. Thankfully, there’s a beneficiant 14.3 cubic ft of trunk area.
Now press the “Start” button on the middle console and listen to the muffled nuclear explosion from the quad tailpipes out again. Whoomph.
The supply of this aural pleasure is Jaguar’s still-sensational, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 cranking out a non-trivial 575-hp and 518 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a rapid-fire-shifting 8-speed automated with paddle shifters, it may possibly rocket the R Coupe from standstill to 60mph in simply 3.5 seconds.
And, in contrast to the last-generation R Coupe, with its near-obnoxious ranges of exhaust snap, crackle and pop, this latest model is a way more refined beast.
Select the “Dynamic” driving mode and the exhaust opens, sending this kitty into full Aslan mode, roaring and growling. While as of late, 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds appears tame set towards electrical Tesla Model S Plaids and Lucid Air Dream sedans, this R Coupe remains to be a thrill.
And the place the Jag actually excites is in the way in which it scythes round curves. With customary all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, laser-precise steering, and brakes that might cease a Mack truck, it carves curves prefer it’s operating on invisible rails.
But don’t anticipate conventional Jaguar trip consolation. Over something however pool-table-smooth blacktop, the R jiggles and jolts, and feels just a bit too agency.
Right now, you will get into the 2023 F-Type (the 444-hp P450 Coupe) for $74,675. Jaguar, nevertheless, desires us to give attention to the ultimate 2024 mannequin 12 months, the place it’s providing simply two closing celebratory R75 fashions—the Coupe (from $113,00) and Convertible (from $115,000)—marking 75 years of sports activities automobile manufacturing.
Enjoy these final Jag sports activities automobiles earlier than they’re gone.
