2024 JAGUAR F-TYPE P575 R75

JAGUAR SENDING F-TYPE OUT IN STYLE AS IT READIES FOR MOVE TO ALL-ELECTRIC FLEET

Please allow me a little personal note here, but I would like to send a big “thank you” to my press fleet manager at Prestige for sending the Jaguar F-Type Convertible my way for one last go around before Jaguar yanks it out of production.

It has been a favorite of mine since its introduction a decade ago as a so-called “spiritual successor” to the company’s legendary E-Type roadster of the 1960s and early ’70s.

The F-Type debuted as convertible with a coupe version soon to follow. Reviews were generally favorable for the first two-seater from the famed British marque in over 40 years and have remained so.

Oh, the cabin was small (still is) and storage space is at a premium, especially with the convertible and performance was sporty. It didn’t exactly smoke rivals like Porsche and Audi, but it was competitive enough and was fun to drive.

And it had that distinct Jaguar touch when it came to styling. A common complaint I often hear about today’s luxury models is that it is hard to tell them apart. Not so with the sleek Jaguar profile.

Sadly, Jaguar announced some time ago that the 2024 would be the last year for the F-Type as the company prepares to electrify all of its fleet of vehicles by next year with the launch of thee new electric cars.

If there is to be a bright side to the F-Type’s passing it is that Jaguar will not sully the roadster’s reputation by equipping it with an all-electric or plug-in hybrid drivetrain. (Looking at you, Ford Mustang Mach-E.) 

A throaty, confident exhaust tone from the dual quad exhausts, missing from EVs, is a prominent part of the package.

As noted earlier, Jaguar offers the F-Type in both coupe and convertible form and is marking this final year year with commemorative upgrades in the R75 Edition (a bow to the company’s 75th anniversary) and  ZP  editions.

 

This review is based on the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P575 R75 Convertible with all-wheel drive and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine tuned to 575 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. That’s a big step up from the 444 hp and 428 lb.-ft. from the base V8 standard in the F-Type P540 and fuel mileage doesn’t take that big a hit.

Numbers for the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P575 R75 (AWD) are 16 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 18 combined. For the P450 (RWD) they are 17/24/19.

An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear selection is standard throughout the F-Type lineup.

The ride itself is on the firm side as you might expect from a sports roadster. Also as a sports roadster cargo space is minimal, especially on the convertible. You’ll have to pack lightly for overnight road trips and forget Costco runs.

Getting into the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P575 R75 is a bit of a chore, especially the the roof closed, but once inside it is surprisingly roomy for a 2-seater.

Legroom is a generous 42.8 inches and the seats are both heated and cooled and have enough wiggle room that finding a comfortable driving position isn’t all that difficult unless you happen to play center on an NBA team. Cargo space for the convertible is minuscule

Two-zone climate control is standard and can be adjusted manually via large knobs below the touchscreen. Jaguar was once a laggard when it came to tech features with items like navigation maps on the small side when compared to other luxury makes, but that isn’t the case any more.

The nav screen on the 2024 Jaguar F-Type P575 R75 doesn’t match up to the huge size that prevails in luxury models, but at 10-inches is adequate enough. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and connecting my Samsung photo was seamless.

Convertible versions of the F-Type P450 start in the low $80,000 range with the special editions venturing into the $90,000 bracket.

My test 2024 Jaguar F-Type P575 R75, the big boy of the F-Type family, listed a starting price of $115,000 with extras like an extended leather upgrade, Giola green exterior, Windsor leather performance seats, floor mats and destination and delivery charges ran the total to $119,875.

What I liked about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible: It has a distinctive look and air about it. You don’t be confusing it with any other luxury European exports for sure. Performance is exhilarating. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Tech features are plentiful and not all that complicated. There are large knobs to adjust the temperature and blower on the climate control system and a smaller one for audio volume.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible: It’s kind of a chore to get in and out with the top up, and trunk space is laughable. But the main thing I don’t like about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type Convertible is that this is its last year.

Would I buy the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible? Definitely.  I’ve just go to find the right lotto ticket.