LOS ANGELES – The Jaguar F-Type is absolutely gorgeous in convertible form. But add a roof, and it's the most phenomenal Jag we've seen since the jaw-dropping E-Type. And that's saying something.
But Jaguar didn't just slap a roof on the F-Type and call it a day. Their sights are set squarely on the Porsche 911, Audi R8, and a new high-power coupe coming from Mercedes-Benz. So they need firepower, and Jag delivers with the $99,000 F-Type R.
Under that sculpted hood sits a 550 horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto box and onto a new electronic differential with torque vectoring. Combine that trick diff with active suspension that constricts and contracts based on G loads, and you've got a competent handler wrapped in an oh-so-sultry skin. Jaguar says v-max is set at 186 mph and the run from 0-60 happens in a launch control-assisted four seconds. We're convinced they're being conservative, so expect something closer to 3.8 seconds.
If the R sounds like a bit too much, Jaguar is offering up the F-Type Coupe in supercharged V6 form starting at $65,000, or the S model for $77,000. But let's be honest: You want the R and you want it now. But you'll have to wait until late next year.
