2015 Jaguar F-type R
The best ride I’ve had all year!
Simply put, the best drive I have had this year. Which was quite unexpected, really, as I expressed in my lament for the 2014 F-Type R going from two driven wheels to four, here.
Yet Jaguar managed to retain that car’s hooligan streak while adding a welcome layer of security and predictability—essential for something cranking out 550hp and capable of teleporting itself to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds.
To accomodate the AWD hardware they’ve raised the hoodline slightly, but this isn’t apparent, so skillfully have they retained the stunning machine’s looks. There are so many interesting flourishes, such as the carbon sill extensions beneath the doors, that look like they were stripped off a Stealth strike jet, or the lovely pop-out door handles. Inside, the Jaguar boasts a stunning cockpit, with lovely, high-quality leather slathered over most every surface that isn’t cool (or hot, depending on the day) metal, including—finally!—the shift paddles.
The corporate infotainment system is now just fine, with fast response and none of the crashing I’ve experienced with many rivals. Still annoying is the shifter; one has to be very deliberate when going from first to reverse and vice versa or end up stranded in neutral.
The eight-speed transmission that joystick controls, however, is amongst the best in the world, serving up seemlessly smooth shifts in its normal modes and rapid-fire changes in the sportier settings, and with none of the low-speed “shunting” that can afflict twin clutch designs. It really lends itself to enhance the wonderful dual nature the Jaguar excels at, which is sports car performance with Grand Touring refinement.
This GTability manifests as a pleasing ride, super solid structure that resists road- and windnoise intrusion, great airflow management with the top stowed (which you can do on the move), and a trunk that is actually useable—though there is no spare tire, should one get a flat.
The FTR’s sports car side is so wickedly intoxicating that I am still quite puzzled that I’ve not been cuffed and hauled away, as its performance is so easily accessed and so heightened by the villainous exhaust tuning, which eggs the driver on to greater and greater feats of derring-do. It also elicits giggles, guffaws and general good cheer from everyone lucky enough to get a fairground ride in the Jaguar’s passenger seat.
Dynamic demerits are few; while the F-Type R lacks the last five percent of body control and finesse at the limit of a Porsche 911 or AMG GT S, it still has excellent, precise steering and a level of interactiveness that matter more in the real world. It is also roughly 10-15 percent less than those rivals.
To reinforce the value message and drive Jaguar’s sales to the level of corporate sibling Land Rover, the company for 2016 will add more standard equipment and enhance the free service package that goes with each vehicle. Yet even now, the F-Type R represents incredible bang for the buck; 911 Turbo performance for Carrera 4S money, with the kind of panache only an Aston Martin usually confers.
EPA ratings: 15/23mpg; 18mpg combined
0-60mph: 3.4 seconds (Car and Driver)
Price as tested: $121,345
Here is what Jaguar has to say about it.
