The Next Generation: The Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-Type has been the company’s only sports coupe for the last seven years and has recently been updated for the 2021 model year. Debuting in 2013, the original F-Type came in two variants. The standard F-Type comes as a real wheel drivetrain along with a 3.0 liter supercharged V6, while the more “race ready” version known as the SVR comes with an all-wheel drivetrain and boasts a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with over 567 horsepower and 516-pound feet of torque. This power allows the F-Type to travel at speeds just under 200 miles per hour and has a 0-60 time in just 3.5 seconds. 

For the first time in its production run, the F-Type received a minor facelift for the 2021 refresh which had mixed reviews when it was revealed back in 2019. Many complain that the F-Type lost the “original look” in the front face of the car. Although the car may have lost its signature headlights and grill, Jaguar drastically modernized the front end, creating sharp lines in the headlight shafts. Despite the “more basic” front end, Jaguar perfectly implemented a modern interpretation of the F-Type’s classic sporty feel. Although the interior is virtually the same as the previous generations, Jaguar has implemented modern technology into the new infotainment system. 

With the base price of the car starting at around 61,000 dollars and even rising to over 103,000 dollars for the more premium trim levels, the F-Type is no entry-level car. It mainly competes with the BMW M8 and the Porsche Cayman, which are two highly distinguished cars themselves. What sets the F-Type apart from its competitors is the handling and ride. The Jaguar F-Type backs up its sports car appearance with an athletic driving dynamic. Winding around turns, the car feels stable and steady. The steering is sharp, and the weight distribution is well fitted for the car’s personality. Carbon-ceramic brakes provide muscular stopping power. The overall quality of the ride is firm, so you can expect a little jostling from the suspension on rough pavement. However, through larger bumps, the suspension is dampened to keep the ride quality more comfortable.

With that signature exhaust note, overall the F-Type makes an exotic option for anyone in the sports car market. With its updated more aggressive front end along with interior renditions to keep it up to date for the 2021 model year, however, the F-Type is only years away from a full redesign.