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First Drive: Jaguar F-Type
THE Jaguar F-Type is the latest in a rich line of British-made cars we can describe as truly beautiful. The same was true of its predecessor, the E-Type, which was influenced by the racing D-Types but in many ways was much more of a stunning and elegant machine– and certainly one that fixed Jaguar’s place in the automotive canon.
In fact, people swooned over the E-Type when it was unveiled at Geneva in 1961 and it stole the show, with even Enzo Ferrari describing it as the most beautiful car in the world.
And there it all might have ended; a beautiful car but one fading into history, as modern and more driveable cars arrived on our roads. Fortunately for us, Jaguar decided to revive the Type and in 2013 unveiled the new F-Type, designed by Ian Callum from Dumfries.
We loved it and now in 2020 the latest model is at last on the forecourts. This is a revamp of the Callum design but still very much an F-Type.
The lovely long nose remains but the bonnet is now sculpted like a clamshell and there are new Pixel headlights with LEDs that look like bright eyeliner under the headlights.
There are also new rear bumpers and the glass of the fastback slopes aerodynamically away from the roofline. The rear tailgate is powered and automatic.
In this trim level – the First Edition R-Dynamic – the car sits on 20-inch, dark grey, diamond-turned wheels with a satin black front splitter, flush door handles and, of course, the deployable boot lid spoiler. The hints of black throughout just add to its kerb appeal.
Coming upon it unexpectedly, it looks at the same time stunning and menacing and there is a whole new sophisticated paint palette to choose from.
Inside, the First Edition has its own design point in ebony Windsor leather performance seats with light oyster stitching. There are metal treadplates with First Edition branding, bright metal pedals and even a pollen filter.
But it is the new engine that is going to delight Jag enthusiasts most. This is a new 5.0-litre V8 with 450PS or 575PS, retaining, of course, that amazing Jaguar roar, with extra soundtrack available at the touch of a switch on the centre console.
The model I was driving also comes with all-wheel drive for rain, snow or ice, which should prove invaluable in Scotland.
There is still a lower powered F-Type, the P300, which actually starts with an on-the-road price of £54,060 but for the purists nothing can surpass the sound and performance of the V8.
I smiled as I started the car and was smiling even more as I rocked along the M8. It takes only 4.4 seconds to get to 60mph and the feeling of this car under your hands is lovely. Off the motorway I followed country roads, winding and turning, with the F-Type responding immediately to anything asked of it. Although this is a powerful piece of kit, it never runs away from you on the road and you always feel in charge.
As well as the all-wheel mode there is a dynamic mode that lights up the instrument binnacle in red – just to let you know you’re in the danger zone.
The F-Type comes with Jaguar’s rather good Connected Navigation Pro and a battery of driver aids and safety systems.
It may be only a two-seater but the 12.3ins colour touchscreen houses a Meridian Sound system, DAB, Bluetooth, connectivity sockets, a rear camera and all the bells and whistles that a glamorous couple driving this car will want.
There is a driver condition monitor, lane keep assist, cruise control and a speed limiter, oh, and a valet mode for those moments when, sadly, you have to let someone else drive your car.