JAGUAR INTRODUCES LIMITED PRODUCTION

F-TYPE 400 SPORT FOR 2018 MODEL YEAR

A recent study out of a university in the Netherlands proclaims that there is no such thing as love at first sight. What people often call love at first sight really is just a strong physical attraction, more like lust at first sight.

When it comes to the Jaguar F-Type, both emotions fit for me.

I know that I feel in love with the performance oriented two-seater when it hit the streets as a 2014 convertible (a coupe would follow), and I have lusted after it ever since. For those of you who may argue that “love at first sight” doesn’t last, I will only say that each year Jaguar tinkers with this roadster simply raises the intensity of my feelings for it.

Oh, I realize it’s not a perfect car. It’s technology is a bit cumbersome to operate and is about a half-step behind that of its competitors, but quibbling about that is like demanding that the world’s most beautiful female be able to cook like Betty Crocker. Would Cindy Crawford be Cindy Crawford without her trademark mole?

I think not.

Being Jaguar’s first sports car since the E-Type was discontinued in 1974, the F-Type was not shy on horsepower when it was introduced three years ago or so. The base model’s V6 was rated at 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The V6 in the F-Type S bumped that up to 380/339, respectively, and the F-Type V8 S had numbers of 495/ 460 with a reported zero-to-60 mph clocking of 4.2 seconds.

The F-Type R launched for the 2015 model year upped those figures to 550/502 with a sub 4.0-second zero to 60 time.

Who could want more? Apparently someone, because for 2017, Jaguar launched the F-Type SVR with a supercharged V8 jacking up horsepower and torque figures to 575/516, respectively, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.

But the tenths of a second shaved off the zero-to-60 time came with an MSRP of 128,800, nearly double that of the base F-Type. Total cost of the 2017 SVR I drove last spring was $132,283 with extras and destination and delivery included.

For 2018, a new 4-cylinder F-Type joins the lineup as well as a 400 Sport model that I recently had the opportunity — and pleasure — to drive for a week.

A limited production model that will be on sale only for the 2018 model year, the F-Type 400 Sport has all the features of the base model plus distinct design features like special 400 badging at the front and rear, full leather seats and panels, a heated steering wheel and other distinctive cosmetic touches that intensify the roadster’s sportiness.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that is rated at 400 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers are not up to the supercharged V8s in the R or SVR, but unless you really want to shave a second from your zero-to-60 or your name is Lewis Hamilton, you’ll probably going to be satisfied with the 400’s performance over the more expensive SVR and may not even notice the difference.

The only transmission offered on the 400 is an 8-speed Quickshift automatic with paddle shifters. (Sorry, stick fans. If you want a manual, you’ll have to go with a lesser-powered models. Not that that is a bad thing.) You can flick the switch on the center console to dynamic mode for even quicker throttle response and a firmer ride, plus get extra pops from the dual exhaust.

Did I mention fuel mileage? No, I didn’t. The government says you should get around 19 miles-per-gallon around town, 27 on the highway, and 22 combined, which isn’t bad considering the fun you get behind the wheel and the looks of envy from bystanders and parking valets.

The government says you’ll pay about an extra $2,750 in fuel costs over a 5-year period.

Hey, it’s worth it.

Speaking of cost, the Monroney sticker that came with my test 400 Sport had the base MSRP at $0.00 with options like a climate package, premium sound system, and wind deflector adding $0.00 for a total of $0.00 with destination and delivery added in.

I put my bid in for two at that cost — one for me, one for my wife — but I’m still waiting. Later, a company spokesperson reported the MSRP for the F-Type 400 Sport actually is $93,595, including destination and delivery charges.

Options like a Climate Package (dual-zone A/C, heated windshield, and heated and cooled seats), suede visors, a Meridien premium sound system, and blind spot monitor can get the total to nearly $97,000.

But keep in mind that things like a premium leather interior, LED headlamps an taillights, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, Bluetooth, rear parking aid,  premium sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen system with Navigation Pro are all standard. A roll-over protection system is among safety features.

The MSRP range for the 2018 F-Type is $59,900 to $125,000.

What I liked about the 2018 Jaguar F-Type 400 Sport convertible: The performance is breathtaking, even when you aren’t where you are able to push it. Once you’re in it, the ride is comfortable as well (but not especially quiet). Raising and lowering the top is a one-button operation, and it comes with an electronic parking brake.

What I didn’t like about the 2018 Jaguar F-Type 400 Sport Convertible: The infotainment system is on the fussy side. Why have a knob to turn the radio on/off and adjust the sound level (also available on a control on the steering wheel) and not have one to surf the dial?

Would I buy the 2018 Jaguar F-Type 400 Sport Convertible? If it were only in my budget, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But, as with most (if not all) convertibles, this is not for family transportation and may represent the ultimate in automotive indulgence. But, hey! You only live once.

JAGUAR F-TYPE SVR ROADSTER FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF AN AUTOMOTIVE LEGEND

Three years ago or so Jaguar paid homage to its illustrious past when it brought the F-Type to the market.

It was the first roadster from the company in 40 years and stirred memories of the legendary Jaguar E-Type, which was based on the British marque’s D-Type racing car and manufactured from 1961-75.

Such was the admiration for the E-Type that Enzo Ferrari, who had some great looking machines coming out of his own shop, flatly declared it “the most beautiful car ever made.” High praise indeed.

So the F-Type had a lot to live up to when it came out as a soft-top convertible for 2014 and coupe the following year.

I’d say it has done a pretty good job of meeting that standard. If not the “most beautiful car in the world” — a subjective observation if there ever was one — it certainly ranks among the top five or so in today’s vehicles, though frankly I’m not sure why I picked five because I can’t think of four others I would rank ahead of it.

It’s that eye-pleasing and draws admiring glances whether it is sitting in the driveway or cruising the streets.

But to attain potential legendary status as a sports car a vehicle has to deliver in performance, and there the F-Type lives up to its promise as well.

Originally offered with both supercharged V6s and V8s that ranged from 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque to 495/460, respectively, Jaguar upped the ante for the F-Type in succeeding years with S and R trims that boosted those numbers up to 550/502.

For 2017, the Jaguar F-Type SVR — my drive for the week — even blows away those numbers with 575 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. It leaps from zero-to-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and from 50 to 75 in 2.3, which helps not only when passing a slower vehicle but finding an open spot when changing lanes in traffic. 

With five trim levels overall, F-Types with the V6 engine are available with rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions, but V8 models like the SVR come only with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has a sport mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear selection if desired.

That combination results in fuel mileage figures of 15 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway and 18 combined with premium fuel recommended. Numbers for the V6 are 20/28/23 with an automatic and 16/24/19 with the six-speed manual. In the works for 2018 is a turbocharged 2.0-turbo 4-cylinder engine with 295 lb.-ft. of torque that claims a zero-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

In addition to appearance and performance, the F-Type also rates highly when it comes to the comfort and conveniences associated with the luxury class. The company didn’t skip when it came to quality materials. The power adjustable seats don’t recline all that far, this being a two-seater, but are power adjustable 14 ways and have adjustable side bolsters for support when pushing it around corners. The seats essentially envelop you when you get in.

Standard equipment on the F-Type SVR convertible includes a fully electric power top, premium Meridian sound system, touch-screen operation for the navigation system and other functions, automatic climate control, rearview camera, keyless entry and push-button start, blind-spot monitor (much appreciated with the restricted view you get with the top up), quilted leather seats, and suede dash trim.

Standard exterior features included HID headlights, a switchable active exhaust system, adaptive dynamic suspension, and a carbon fiber aerodynamic spoiler.

All that is included in the MSRP of $128,800 for the F-Type SVR — which approaches double the MSRP for the base F-Type convertible. Throw in the $995 destination and delivery fee and options like an extended leather package, carbon-fiber center console, illuminated treadplates, wheel locks, and a car care kit and the total for my test ride came to $132,283. 

One of the few shortcomings I found is in the technology. Jaguar always seems to be behind the curve when it comes to the operation of the gadgets and gizmos that fill modern luxury cars today, whether it be in the graphics or the steps needed to operate the functions. There was not a voice command system for audio or nav functions in the SVR, which doesn’t bother me but might some in the younger generation.

Here’s one of the mysteries in auto life. Why is it that the more expensive a car is, the more complicated operating the technological features becomes? At least the phone connects easily enough.

The shortfalls in technology, however, are trivialities compared to what the F-Type SVR offers in the way of performance, appearance, and luxury. Get behind the wheel and you’ll likely agree.

What I liked about the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR: The performance is exhilarating. Flipping the switch on the console to “Dynamic” even adds to the auditory experience with a staccato cadence coming from the dual-quad exhausts.

What I didn’t like about the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR: In addition to the techno quirks, the convertible trunk is small (only 7.3 cubic feet) and oddly shaped to accommodate the rear wheel wells. Not that you’re going to do a lot of hauling in it, but I’m not sure you could fit two average-size suitcases in there, especially if they were hard cases.

Would I buy the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR? Yes. Yes. Yes. it’s a great choice in the segment.