Auto-biographies Jaguar F-Type
NEW feature by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
The jaguar is the third-largest feline after the tiger and the lion... The fl esh and blood big cat has a compact body, a broad head and powerful jaws – and this describes perfectly the attributes of the new F-TYPE from Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. Indeed, in the automotive world, the latest Jaguar is leading the pack.
The two-seater convertible embodies a return to the company’s heartland,
focusing on
athleticism, dexterity and behind-the-wheel involvement. What’s more the F-TYPE is a continuance of a sporting lineage stretching back over 75 years.
The engineering philosophy fortifying the F-TYPE is focused on Jaguar’s expertise when it comes to aluminium. The metal is lightweight, so its use in the car’s architecture helps provide a perfectly balanced weight distribution. That permits the Jag’s rear-wheel drive dynamics to be exploited to the max.
Three types of the Jaguar model are available: the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S. Each is distinguished by the power output of its supercharged petrol engine, with all of them featuring stop/start technology to increase effi ciency.
My press car was the F-TYPE S, powered by a new 3.0-litre V6 lump. Producing 375bhp and 338lb/ft of torque (pulling power), the car has more than enough horses and grunt to get you moving rapidly. The free-revving, willing nature of the engine encourages you to be, shall we say, enthusiastic – and I certainly tried to sample the full extent of the car’s abilities. The 0-62mph sprint comes in just 4.9 seconds and the top speed is 171mph.
The feeling you get when you accelerate is similar to that of an aeroplane hurtling down the runway before take-off . You’re literally
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pressed into your seatback, and the smile it induces could only ever be outdone by a small child on Christmas morning.
And just when you think the Jaguar F-TYPE couldn’t possibly release any more endorphins into your bloodstream – you come across the sports car’s active exhaust system. With just a touch of a button you can change an already throaty sounding exhaust note into one that builds to a thrilling crescendo at the red line.
Driving the F-TYPE isn’t rocket science though. It has a set of eight closely-spaced gear ratios in its Quickshift auto transmission, giving you superior control. The V6-powered S model also includes a Dynamic Launch feature, which optimises acceleration from rest.
Taking cues from cockpits of fi ghter aeroplanes, the switches are grouped by function. Further aeronautical inspiration can be found in the joystick-shaped SportShift selector controlling the gearbox. Additionally, the air vents on top of the dashboard will only deploy when you instruct them to, or by complex control algorithms, staying tucked discreetly out of sight in other circumstances.
The concentration on driver passion and performance in the F-TYPE is highlighted by the ‘one plus one’ layout of the asymmetric cabin. This is confi rmed by the grab handle which races down the centre console on the passenger side, delineating it from the driver’s side.
The F-TYPE is, without doubt, a car that delivers precisely the key sporting characteristics that Jaguar intended. It’s defi nitely a big toy for big boys and girls – and it’s available from only £58,500 for the entry level, rising to £67,520 for the F-TYPE S, on to a price-tag of £79,950 for the F-TYPE V8 S.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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