JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE 5.0 P575 Supercharged V8 R 75 Plus 2dr Auto AWD

Jaguar's F-TYPE Coupe gets a sleeker look and swaps its supercharged V6 for an even more potent V8. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Jaguar describes this improved F-TYPE Coupe as the most capable and involving car it's ever built. It's sleeker, faster and classier, cementing the Coventry brand's reputation as an ever more credible rival to Porsche, reviving memories of some of the company's legendary classic coupes. It handles. It goes. And it delivers.

Background

What, commentators like us wondered at the Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible's original introduction in 2013, would a more focused fixed-top version be like, a stiffer, sportier, even more dynamic thing? This Coupe model, first launched early in 2014, gave us our answer. It was rigid, rakish and revved like a race car. Well now, Jaguar claims to have made it faster, better looking and even more desirable. Still want that Porsche 718 Cayman S? Try one of these first.

Driving Experience

Jaguar has now pensioned off its 3.0-litre supercharged V6, but instead, offers F-TYPE buyers who don't want the entry-level 2.0-litre four cylinder 300PS unit a new 450PS version of its classic supercharged V8. This fiery powerplant develops a prodigious 580Nm of torque from just 2,500rpm. If that's not enough, the F-TYPE R continues at the top of the range with a 575PS version of the same V8. In terms of drive formats, the four cylinder model comes only with rear wheel drive; the 450PS V8 can be ordered with either rear wheel drive or AWD; and the F-TYPE R comes only with AWD. Got all that? I'll be asking questions later. Personally, I usually like my automotive sound effects to come from the engine rather than, as here, the tailpipes at the back but even I have to admit that this car hums an addictive tune. Whichever variant you choose, performance is striking. Even the feeblest 300PS model makes 60mph from rest in just 5.7s, while the 450PS V8 models make 60mph in just 4.4s on the way to 177mph. Finally, the F-TYPE R covers off that sprint in just 3.5s en route to 186mph. Across the range, you get an all-aluminium chassis, double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link-suspended rear. All F-TYPES feature auto gearboxes (the manual previously available in the four cylinder car has been discontinued). Changes to the Quickshift auto transmissions in both the F-TYPE R and the 450PS V8 models promise a more engaging driving experience. The F-TYPE R specifically offers even faster, crisper gear changes when the driver commands shifts manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the SportShift gear selector. Both upshifts and downshifts are more immediate and give an even more connected and responsive feel.

Design and Build

The visual changes made to this improved model are significant, centring mostly on a front end now embellished by super-slim pixel LED headlights that blend into the 'liquid metal' surfacing' of the restyled clamshell bonnet. There's also a new front bumper and a subtly enlarged grille that aim to deliver more visual impact and presence. And the slender rear lights have been revised too, featuring an LED chicane signature inspired by the Jaguar I-PACE. We still think that visually, the F-TYPE Coupe bodyshape works really well, with its short wheelbase, power-packed set of rear haunches and elegant roof line. It manages to make the Porsche Cayman seem rather hall-of-mirrors in its proportioning and while it's not as instantly beautiful as an Aston Martin Vantage, it looks as if it would thoroughly work the Vantage over in a bar fight. The interior hasn't changed much, continuing to combine traditional Jaguar craftsmanship with rich, contemporary materials such as Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome. Beautiful details include monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle 'Jaguar Est.1935' markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides. The boot remains relatively big, giving the F-TYPE Coupe genuine GT potential. You'll get 315-litres in up to the parcel shelf and 407-litres to the window line. A 72-litre fuel tank gives a realistic cruising range of over 340 miles.

Market and Model

This Coupe F-TYPE bodystyle will save you around £5,500 in comparison to its Convertible counterpart, which means that prices start at around £54,000 for the base 4 cylinder 300PS version with base trim - or around £47,000 if you want the same engine with ritzier 'R-Dynamic' trim. An 'R-Dynamic'-spec 450PS 'P450' V8 model costs around £60,000 - or around £65,000 with AWD. The 'P575' top R Coupe costs over £97,000. All F-TYPE models get full-LED headlights, plus a sophisticated 'Touch Pro' infotainment system which includes online services such as real-time traffic and live weather reports. Even the entry-level variant gets sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and sports seats with leather and suede-cloth. And buyers can also expect features like USB, auxiliary and iPod connections, a rear parking aid, climate control, six-way electrically adjustable sports seats, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and Jaguar's clever Pedestrian Contact System. The F-TYPE R gets an R body kit, 20-inch wheels with red brake calipers and a special 'R' interior finish.

Cost of Ownership

Although there are some better performers in its class when it comes to economy and emissions, the F-TYPE Coupe is there or thereabouts. Let's get to the WLTP-rated figures. At the base of the range, the automatic 2.0-litre 300PS RWD F-TYPE records up to 29.8mpg on the combined cycle and emits up to 216g/km of carbon dioxide. You'll need deep pockets to run the V8 models. With the 450PS V8, the figures fall to 26.6mpg and 241g/km for the rear-driven model and 25.9mpg and 248g/km for the AWD version. The F-TYPE R Coupe manages 26.4mpg and 243g/km. Overall, we think that all of that's irrelevant. If you average more than 20mpg in this car, then you're not using it properly and it deserves a better home. You know where I am. Depreciation on the F-TYPE hasn't been at all bad. Taking the P300 2.0-litre variant as an example, you can expect to get 45% of your original purchase price back after the usual industry-standard three year / 30,000 mile ownership period.

Summary

As before, the F-TYPE Coupe takes all that was great about the Convertible version and builds on it with a stiffer chassis and a more affordable asking price. The result is a very special car indeed, especially in this improved form. Even if you can only stretch to a four cylinder version. After all, compared to a rival Porsche 718 Cayman S, Jaguar has brought us a machine that's arguably better looking, unarguably better equipped, more powerful and endowed with a greater sense of occasion, inside and out. While it won't match the Porsche's delicacy of response at the limit, the F-TYPE Coupe looks as if it's got its chief competitor's measure in enough areas that count to really give the German brand something to worry about.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Tinted glass

Privacy glass

Infra red reflective glass

Solar attenuating windscreen

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Brakes

Electronic brake force distribution

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Emergency brake assist

Electronic parking brake

380mm Front and 376mm Rear brakes

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Emergency braking

Carpets/Rugs

Nubuck edged carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive dynamics

Configurable dynamic mode

Communication

Bluetooth telephone connectivity

Incontrol pro service

InControl remote premium

Android Auto

E-call

Apple CarPlay

Remote

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Cruise control + speed limiter

Rear view camera

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist

Blind spot assist

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Rear traffic monitor

Driver Convenience

Stop/start system

Powered tailgate/boot lid

Push button start

Boot entrapment release lever

Driver Information

Trip computer

Driver condition monitor

10" touch screen

Connected navigation pro

Interactive driver display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Auto dimming/power fold heated door mirrors with memory function

Embellishment Trims

Limited Edition aluminium instrument panel finisher

Entertainment

Audio remote control

Meridian 770W surround sound system with 12 speakers

InControl app

InControl protect

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Exterior Body Features

Switchable active exhaust

Tailgate/boot lid spoiler

Flush exterior door handles

Fixed panoramic roof with manual black blind

Quad outboard mounted exhaust pipes

F-Type badge

R exterior body kit

Rear boot

Rear RHS R badge in dark and light grey

'75' silhouette badge on front wing

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Headlight washers

LED tail lights

Static Cornering lights

Pixel LED headlights with signature DRL

LED 3rd brake light

Animated directional indicators

Adaptive driving beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Deployable front air vents

Rain, Ice and snow mode

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Overhead console

Twin front cupholders

Jaguar sense

Bright metal foot pedals

Silver gearshift paddles

Suede cloth headlining - Ebony

R branded leather steering wheel

Full extended leather upgrade

Power socket

USB with 12V socket in centre console

Low line cubby box

Electrically adjustable steering column with memory

Windsor leather upholstery with performance seats

Interior Lights

Premium cabin lighting

Packs

Smartphone pack - F-Type

Online pack - F-Type

Climate pack - F-Type

Interior black pack - F-Type R 75

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front/rear seatbelt pre-tensioners

Seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger

Pedestrian contact sensing and deployable bonnet

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags

Seats

Lumbar support

Front headrests

12 way heated and cooled electric memory front seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Engine immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Perimetric and volumetric anti theft alarm

Deadlocks

Keyless entry

Drive away door locking

Two stage unlocking

Valet mode

Transmission

Electronic active differential with torque vectoring by braking

Vanity Mirrors

Suedecloth sun visors with mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

Bespoke wheel roundels in gloss & satin black

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 239

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 239

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 239

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: AJ133

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: V8

Number of Valves: 32

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: SUPERCHARGER

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

CC: 5000

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 93

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 92.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 27

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 27

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 27

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.5

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 108

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 144000

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 575

Badge Engine CC: 5.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Series: R 75 Plus

Coin Description: P575 Supercharged V8 AWD

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Performance

Top Speed: 186

Engine Power - BHP: 575

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.7

Engine Power - KW: 423

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - RPM: 3500

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE STYLE 1066

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R20

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2042

Height: 1311

Wheelbase: 2622

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1885

Length: 4470

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2150

Minimum Kerbweight: 1780

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 370

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 336

No. of Seats: 2

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.27

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: N

Brakes

Black brake calipers

Driver Aids

Park assist with parallel parking

Exterior Body Features

SVO ultra metallic satin finish paint

Solid paint

SVO ultra metallic gloss finish paint

Premium metallic paint

Illuminated metal treadplates with brand name script

SVO special effect gloss finish paint

SVO special effect satin finish paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air quality sensor

Packs

Carbon ceramic brake pack - F-Type

Exterior design Pack - F-Type R/R 75 Coupe

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Portofino blue

Metallic - Giola green

Metallic - British racing green

Metallic - Eiger grey

Metallic - Firenze red

Metallic - Santorini black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Cian grey

SVO ultra metallic satin - Flux silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Petrolix blue

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Flux silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sanguinello orange

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Velocity blue

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Tourmaline brown

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sunset gold

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Amethyst grey purple

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ionian silver

SVO ultra metallic satin - Sunset gold

SVO ultra metallic satin - Tourmaline brown

SVO ultra metallic satin - Velocity blue

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ionian silver

SVO special effect satin - Icy white

SVO special effect gloss - Icy white

SVO ultra metallic satin - Sorrento yellow

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ethereal silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Atacama orange

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Sorrento yellow

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Constellation

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ethereal silver

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Desire red

SVO ultra metallic gloss - Ligurian black

SVO ultra metallic satin - Ligurian black

Security

Secure tracker

Trim - Leather

Windsor leather with performance seats - Tan,Tan/Tan colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Light oyster, Ebony/Light oyster colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Ebony, Ebony colourway

Windsor leather with performance seats - Mars, Ebony/Mars colourway

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 split spoke satin grey finish forged alloy wheels - style 5061

20" 10 spoke with satin black diamond turned finished - style 1041

20" 10 spoke gloss black with contrast diamond turned finish alloy wheels - style 1066

Wheels - Spare

Reduced section alloy spare wheel