2023 JAGUAR F-TYPE

THE END IS NEAR FOR JAGUAR’S

V8 POWERED SPORTS CAR BEAUTY

Alas, we bear sad news. Perhaps you are already aware of it, but that doesn’t lessen the impact any.

After a sparkling run that began with its introduction as a 2014 model, Jaguar will end production of its beautifully styled, rapid-response F-Type sports car with the 2024 edition.

The reason? The company is moving to an all-electrified portfolio in 2025 and away from the supercharged V8s that were the beasts of its past fleets. No doubt you saw that coming.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary and send the F-Type out on a high note, Jaguar will put out a couple of special editions of the current models with the F-Type 75 and F-Type R 75 in both coupe and convertible form. 

The 2023 Jaguar F-Type comes in three trim levels all with a supercharged V8 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and in coupe or convertible form.

Changes from the 2021 mild refreshing are reflected in all three trims, though the 4- and 6-cylinder engines were dropped last year. The V8 in the P450  and P450 R-Dynamic trims check in at 444 horsepower while the 2023 Jaguar F-Type R that this review is based on is tuned for 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, moving it from zero-to-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

The P450 trim comes with rear-wheel as standard while all-wheel drive is optional on the P450 R-Dynamic and standard on the 2023 Jaguar F-Type R.

Fuel economy is about what you would expect from a performance-oriented sports car, which is to say not very much. The EPA rates the 2023 Jaguar F-Type P450 and P450 R-Dynamic with rear-wheel drive at 17 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway and 19 combined. All-wheel-drive models are rated at 16/24/18, using premium grade fuel, of course.

Jaguar at one time seemed to lag behind competitors when it came to tech features with such quirks as a tiny screen display for navigation maps and fussy controls, but the list of standard comfort and convenience features on the 2023 Jaguar F-Type R is pretty complete.

They include a power tailgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power Windsor leather seats with lumbar support, keyless entry and push-button start, a 10-inch touchdown that includes navigation, Meridian Sound System, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other standard features on the 2023 Jaguar F-Type R include LED  headlights and daytime running lights, Jaguar Drive Control with selectable modes that include snow and sport, upgraded brakes, and 20-inch wheels.

Safety features (all standard) include emergency braking, front and rear parking aid, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.

That all is covered by the starting MSRP of $108,500. My 2023 Jaguar F-Type R for the week came with options that included a Climate Pack, Blind Spot Assist Pack, ultra metallic paint with a gloss finish, suede headliner, park assist, and more that, with the $1,275 destination and delivery fee, ran the final bottom line to $121,780.

If the six-figure MSRP doesn’t exactly light your fire, the 2023 Jaguar F-type P450 starts at $74,675, the P450 R-Dynamic at $85,175 (including destination and delivery). F-Type convertibles run from $2,700 to $3,300 higher.

What I liked about the 2023 Jaguar F-Type Coupe: The F-Type R is a kick to drive, living up to its leaper logo by figuratively leaping at a touch of the accelerator. It has a classic Jaguar look — there won’t be any confusing it with another luxury model — and the V8 sings a sexy tune from its quad dual exhausts. Trunk space is generous for the segment.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Jaguar F-Type Coupe: Infotainment features can be frustrating to operate, but at least there are knobs for manual control of the climate system. It’s not a quiet vehicle, and the ride may be too stiff for some.

Would I buy the 2023 Jaguar F-Type Coupe? Actually, I would prefer the convertible version but the coupe is not without its virtues so yes, it’s a definite buy with me. With seats only for two, you’re driving a classic sports car, not a vehicle for families.