All Jaguar enthusiasts will note that the E-Type is not only one of the best of the best roadsters ever made, it�s also one of the best cars ever made. Since the E-Type ended production in 1974, people have been waiting for a successor to emerge. Now, the wait is over. Meet the F-Type.
From the looks, it�s definitely a typical Jag. The design of the body is simple, yet incredibly stylish. You don�t even have to explain the looks of this car. You just have to look at it and the car explains itself. Not only does it look great in pictures, but it looks even better up close and in person.
Inside, there is not just luxurious leather everywhere, but everything is designed around the driver while the passenger is just there for the ride. At the moment, it�s only offered with an automatic, but put it in manual mode and the shifts are instantaneous. From the click of paddle shifters to the response of the steering wheel, this car responds to whatever you demand. It�s also only offered as a convertible at the moment, which is the best way to drive this car.
There are three engine choices: the tame 340-hp supercharged V6, the much faster 380-hp supercharged V6, and the insane 495-hp supercharged V8. Most people would be drawn to the V8, but the better option may be the 380-hp V6. It does have less power than the V8, but the amount of time between each one is not incredibly close. The supercharged V6 goes from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds while the supercharged V8 goes from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The V6 then continues to a top speed of 171 mph while the V8 goes to 186 mph. Figuratively, the V8 sounds better because it is just a bit quicker than the V6, but the feeling you get from that supercharger when you put your foot down is hard to describe. It�s kind of like a kick to the head. You don�t expect it to happen but when it does, you�re in complete shock and awe.
The best thing though is the noise this car makes. The F-Type is fitted with a button that when pushed, creates a sound that will bring a smile to your face, especially if you�re going through a tunnel. You don�t just get a great exhaust sound, you get a crackle sound that you would hear when you drive an old roadster form the 1960�s and 70�s.
Then there�s the way this car corners. This car simply loves corners. You can throw it at a corner at 50-60 mph and it will remain in complete control. The one thing to avoid with this car is traffic. If you get stuck in stop and go traffic, the transmission does feel a bit clunky. It�s almost lie it prefers to go fast rather than sit in traffic. Once you do get out of traffic and put your foot down, you suddenly forget about everything going on. You forget about any stress or problems going on. You simply just want to keep driving until you run out of gas or road.
This is definitely a true successor to the E-Type, but it�s definitely worth the many years of waiting. This is a car that was made for serious drivers in mind. Being in this car, you will get a driving experience that will stay with you forever.
Special thanks to Jaguar Woburn in Woburn, MA for test vehicle.
