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The world as we know it is changing. Because of electrification and engine downsizing, the thunderous roar of a V8 is becoming a thing of the past, and cars that we grew up loving are leaving and taking their beefy motors with them. Rather than grumbling about the future, though, Jaguar has given us one last taste of its iconic sportscar to celebrate the noise and butterflies that true fire-breathing sportscars provide, and the F-Type is one special car to celebrate one last time.
The F-Type is a unique sportscar; its design is instantly recognisable, and its presence on the road is exciting for everybody around it. It's a car that is respectable and has offered enthusiasts an experience that is memorable. Fewer and fewer brands are offering V8 sportscars, and those who have kept the eight-cylinder in their lineups have forced a dampened noise out the back and imitation noise inside. Jaguar is known for their roaring tailpipes, and they have ensured that the departing F-Type leaves in a cloud of tyre smoke and noise.
Although the exterior has been greatly worked on and modernised, the interior remains almost entirely the same, which is a good thing. The cabin environment is limited, but the roomy footwells offer a comfortable seating position for taller individuals. The interior atmosphere is classy, and it's clear that Jaguar focused its efforts on creating a sporty environment that encapsulates the noble spirit of a Jaguar sportscar.
It has a darker aesthetic, which sets the scene for the brutal thrills to follow. For the more technologically advanced enthusiasts out there, the screen and infotainment system have been updated to offer you exceptional audio quality and a unique user experience while maintaining a passenger-first focus on the Jaguar luxury aspect. Also, the added benefit of a centre handle assists passengers when their nerves exceed their excitement, and the digital driver display provides clear information to the driver in any environment.
In a world where artificial exhaust sounds are common, the Jaguar offers an orchestra of combustion so potent that the supercharged V8's raw scream would drown out the use of artificial sound.
There are few cars that provide a similar experience to the F-Type. The noise, the handling and the mandatory grin under acceleration give the F-Type personality. The heart behind it all is the 5.0-litre supercharged V8, producing an emotional sensation through your hands and chest. 331kW and 580Nm are forced to all four wheels in a spectacular yet clinical fashion, launching from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.
On paper, 4.4 seconds doesn’t sound all that impressive, but it's clear that the engineering intention was more than just a number. Under acceleration, the exhaust notes work in tandem with the G-forces; when combined with an aggressive gear shift, 0-100 becomes more than just something to show off with. The chassis is exceptional, with plenty of grip in the corners, a reactive and engaging steering feel, and a brilliantly balanced weight distribution. The composure the F-Type proclaims offers an easy and less overwhelming environment to extract all that this car can offer. Add that to the default engine noise, which very few can compete with, and the F-Type is nothing short of a dream to drive.
The Jaguar F-Type is the British answer to the 911, and while the experience is nothing short of exceptional, it falls short of its German competitor, though it comes close. Starting at R2,105,600, the F-type is almost R400k less expensive than its Porsche competitor, the 911 Carrera Coupé, at just shy of R2,480,000. The model that we put to the test is the 75 P450 AWD, which comes in at a slightly pricier R2,167,400.
Living with an F-Type is joyous. It's comfortable at higher speeds and makes for a fun yet manageable drive around town. Due to its sporty nature, the ride is rather low, so speed bumps could pose an issue. Add its smaller size to the equation, and getting in and out of the F-type can be tricky for taller owners, but once you get inside, it makes the struggle completely worthwhile.
The F-Type 75 commemorates the 75th anniversary of Jaguar sportscars and offers a limited edition of a dwindling breed. The noise put many in a chokehold, and the looks are so distinctively stylish they're recognisable from a mile off. It is the perfect balance of British class and performance while providing an aesthetic look and a pleasurable environment for daily driving. As Avon said, “It's goodbye with love." So instead of getting down in the dumps by mourning an icon in its last days, this is a moment to celebrate the noise, the excitement, and the smiles that the F-Type has created over the years. So from all of us here at TopGearSA, F-Type, you are a hero and will be missed, so all that’s to be said now is "we thank you."
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