Performance-wise, Jaguar has been on top of the game. Many Jaguar enthusiasts believe the Jaguar F-Type is one of the most iconic production cars Jaguar has ever made. So, is the F-Type a supercar? Yes, it is.
The Jaguar F-Type is a supercar that offers ruthless performance. It looks stunning, has phenomenal design, and features cutting-edge technology. The F-Type isn’t a car you see everywhere or every day.
What is a supercar?
Is Jaguar F-Type a supercar? There is a bit of debate about this classification. Some say it’s not, while others say it definitely is. Of course it can drive fast and it’s a road beast, but horsepower alone doesn’t make a car super.
Generally, a supercar is aesthetically beautiful and not mass-produced–you don’t see them often. They are also usually not cheap, so not everyone can afford them. The few that buy these top-of-the-line cars don’t do so because of affordability; they buy them because of their uniqueness. Supercars also feature the best of technology and, most importantly, are high-performance machines.
Why the F-Type is a supercar
The Jaguar F-Type definitely meets the typical supercar requirements; however, sometimes it is not placed alongside other supercars because people underestimate it and just think of the F-Type as a normal sports car. Let’s take a look at why it should rank as a supercar.
Appealing looks
The F-Type took the place of the E-Type in 2014. The first thing about it that captured people’s attention was the F-Type took. This wasn’t surprising though, as it was designed on the platform of C-X16 introduced in 2011 by Jaguar at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Ever since the first production, the car has continued to evolve in its styling. Jaguar has continually brought the F-Type into a purer and more engagement in its original attractiveness and sportiness in both the exterior and interior styling.
The 2021 model, for example, upgraded its exterior and now features lean aggressive angles that portray the car’s sportiness. The F-Type is available in colors such as Fuji white, Santorini black, Indus silver, Bluefire blue, Caldera red, and British green.
The interior leaves a bit to be desired
The F-Type is a two-seater vehicle, and people say the seating spaces are snug. But with the upgrades, the cabin has become more comfortable and beautiful than ever. However, compared to its attractive exterior, people say it’s a letdown. It features a plain dashboard design which others feel is outdated. There are also soft plastics and wrapped leather surfaces.
High-tech and safety features
While the first production F-Type featured technology that bred comfort, newer models are excelling. For example, the recent F-Types features a Go-pro technology that provide high-quality videos and performance data. The aeroblade design helps improve airflow by circulating air efficiently around the car.
The infotainment system supports Apple Carplay for iPhone users and Android Auto for Android users, allowing owners to merge their smartphones with the infotainment screen. The digital cluster behind the steering wheel also allows users to get some or a lot of driving information for absolute safety.
To improve safety, the F-Type is fitted with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and front and rear parking sensors. There is a lane keep assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Other advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and hand-free parallel park brake.
Performance and engine are better than ever
The Jaguar F-Type was initially produced in three versions – the base model, R, and S. While the R-coupe possesses over 542hp with a top speed of 186mph, the S and base models derived their power from a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine.
All F-Types used eight-speed Quickshift and carbon ceramic-matrix brakes. They also improved their torque vectoring braking by utilizing an active electronic differential. The R-coupe was the highest version of the F-Type produced between 2014-2017.
However, in 2017, the F-Type upgraded to having the base, premium, and SVR models. The SVR featured a V8 engine that outputs 575hp with a top speed of 200mph. The latest F-Types also retained the eight-speed quick transmission. There is also the Driveline dynamics to improve throttle response.
The 2021 models offer many engine choices. The base model uses a turbocharged 2.0 liter that outputs 296 horsepower and torque of 295 lb-ft. Also available to buyers is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 380 horsepower and torque of 339lb-ft.
Choose the F-Type R with a V8 5.0-liter engine outputting a massive 575 horsepower and torque of 516lb-ft. The F-Type R with V8 is the fastest F-Type ever and does 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. To further enhance the performance aesthetic, the F-Type is fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires covering 20 inches of glossy black wheels.
The F-Type price tag
The F-Type has a starting price of $40,000 and goes up to $103,000, depending on the model, year, and drivetrain, including the engine size, AWD, or 2WD. Also, note that additional features will shoot up the price.
FAQs
Do Jaguar F-Typse hold their value?
The F-Type holds its value at an average rate. An F-Type will depreciate after five years by about 54%. So, a five-year-old F-Type should sell for around $46,000. Of course, this is assuming the car is in good working condition and hasn’t put in too many miles.
Should I buy a Jaguar F-Type?
The F-Type combines distinctive design and high-tech engineering, making it the fast car it is. Its exterior is intriguing; it possesses a beautiful interior and a gigantic engine for absolute performance. Depending on your budget, it is an excellent choice if you can afford it.
Used or new F-Type: which is better?
With the latest Jaguar F-Type, you get the latest interior and exterior styling together with the newest technology and the best performance engines. However, you’ll spend a lot of money. With a used F-Type, you’ll save cost; however, you won’t get the latest and greatest the F-Type has to offer.
How long does the F-Type last?
F-Types should last for 250,000 miles. This will depend on how often you drive and your driving habits. However, proper and regular maintenance is necessary. Regular maintenance will also help avoid unnecessary expensive repairs and visits to mechanic shops.
