Jaguar F-type Convertible Sports car gets a new 444bhp V8 engine
Revamp for Jaguar’s sports car includes a tantalising new 444bhp V8 engine option On sale Now Price from £54,060
JAGUAR’S F-TYPE SPORTS car has a new look and a new engine option. The 5.0-litre V8 P450 slots into the line-up between the 2.0-litre P300 and the range-topping 567bhp V8 R.
With 444bhp and 516lb ft of torque, the P450 is a brute, seeing off the 0-60mph dash in just 4.4sec in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheeldrive guises. The engine makes a thunderous noise under acceleration, and performance is strong enough to pin you firmly to your seat.
Even with all that power sent to the rear wheels alone, accelerating out of a corner is entertaining rather than scary, thanks to tweaks to the traction control. But while twisting B-roads are fun in the P450, it’s not blessed with great handling finesse. Adjustments to the steering have added a little more life to it, but there isn’t enough weight build-up during cornering and the F-type doesn’t feel as nimble or alert as rivals such as Porsche’s 718 Boxster and Cayman models and the more expensive 911.
On the motorway, the F-type munches through miles effortlessly, thanks to strong straight-line stability and an impressively supple ride (on standard adaptive suspension).
Inside, build quality remains reasonable rather than outstanding, and there’s a new 12.3in digital instrument panel, replacing the old analogue dials. Large, razor-sharp graphics make it easy to see. Standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto are welcome additions, although the infotainment still isn’t as user-friendly as the class best.
The convertible version’s fabric roof opens or closes electrically in just 12 seconds and doesn’t rob any space from the boot. But you’ll be lucky to fit much in there anyway; it’s small and awkwardly shaped.
The price jump from four cylinders to eight is around £13,000. For that, you gain a lot of performance, noise and smiles for your cash, making the P450 feel far more special than the P300. However, the cheaper, sharper-handling Boxster remains a better sports car.