Blame tough economic times, change of ownership or even dwindling human spirit, but Jaguar has overlooked their rich heritage of the agile, two-seater sportscar for too long. This sporting bloodline has defined the brand for more than 75 years and includes such icons as the C-, D- and E-type. We travelled to Pamplona, Spain, to drive what could be the next addition to Jaguar’s performance car hall of fame; the exciting new F-Type.
Walking up to the car outside the airport with a slight drizzle caressing the bodywork, there is no denying that it is an arresting design. The F-Type is elegant and simple but still possessed of enough facets to keep one’s eyeballs fixed on those beautiful lines, almost as if hypnotised. Despite receiving the all-clear to move off and complete the road section to the Navarra race circuit, a number of us still stood there transfixed – Jaguar’s design boss, Ian Callum, has produced yet another stunner.
The interior is also something of a mould-breaker for Jaguar. The layout is aimed almost exclusively at the driver with the cabin clearly divided by a stylish grab rail running from the dash. Material quality, including fit and finish, is excellent and the squared-off retractable air vents on the centre console are one of the most eye-catching features of the facia. There is definitely a whiff of Aston Martin about the manner in which the dashboard slopes steeply towards the occupants. The usual Jaguar touchscreen interface is still available but many functions, including the dual climate control, are now controlled by a bank of mechanical switches for ease of operation. Similarly, a sport-shift gearlever replaces the rotary gear selector found in other Jaguars. Lastly, the retractable canvas roof can be electrically stowed in just 12 seconds at road speeds of up to 50 km/h.
The driving position is excellent thanks to a wide range of seat and steering adjustments, although climbing in and out of the car can be a bit problematic owing to the low seat height and long doors. The cabin feels snug and cossetting, furthering the impression of the driver feeling at one with the car. Hit the bronze metallic start button and the supercharged V6 engine delivering 250 kW in the base model rasps into life. Damp road conditions meant that the drive to the race track was leisurely, but it was still possible to appreciate the quick, direct nature of the F-Type’s steering and its pliant ride. A quick blast here and there also gave rise to an angry snarl from the exhaust, which served as a portent of the aural entertainment our track session would bring with it.
The impressive Navarra race circuit is almost brand-new and built to FIA standards. Upon our arrival the weather cleared and we swapped our standard V6 supercharged models for the S derivative, which adds a mechanical limited-slip diff, adjustable suspension, active exhaust flaps and an extra 30 kW of power. The F-Type’s aluminium body construction has helped to keep the kerb weight down to 1 614 kg, which helps it in a track environment. Joining the circuit from the pit lane, I floored the loud pedal and the F-Type bolted down the straight, rapidly gaining pace and treating the ears to an amazing, snarling soundtrack. What followed were four laps at maximum attack. In summary, the turn-in and grip are excellent and the chassis is both composed and agile. The eight-speed conventional automatic gearbox is fast for its ilk, but maybe not as exciting as a dual clutch set-up. It is clear that although the F-Type is impressive around the track, ultimately it is not as sharp as some of the competition (read Porsche) against which it will be pitted.
Conclusion
It was only on the road section from the track to the hotel that the F-Type’s quality really shone through. The Spanish mountain passes provided a superb surface with various radius turns and sharp hairpins. Here, the F-Type was in its element and in dynamic mode it handled beautifully. The exhaust note at full chat, followed by the pops and crackles deflecting off the cliff faces, was just as memorable as that engaging drive. Yes, there are faster, sharper and less expensive cars in the segment, but none possess the F-Type’s long-distance composure. It looks as though the F-Type has the makings of another iconic performance Jaguar – no mean feat!
Fast Facts
Model: Jaguar F-Type S
Engine: V6
Fuel supply: direct-injection, supercharged
Capacity: 2 995 cm3
Power/Torque: 280 kW/460 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,9 secs
Top speed: 275 km/h
Fuel consumption: 9,1 L/100 km
CO2 rating: 213 g/km
Indicative Pricing:
F-Type: R825 000
F-Type S: R945 000
F-Type V8 S: R1 345 000
