The Equalizer

Allan goes for a drive in the most powerful version of Jaguar’s awesome F-type

Engine bay aside, one area where Jaguar has nearly always hit the mark is with its styling, and much as I prefer rag-top sports cars, there’s no doubt that in the looks department the F-type coupé is an absolute stunner.

Sensational from any angle, the Jaguar’s purposeful lines are further enhanced by the graceful curve of the coupé’s roof as it flows into the F-type’s bulging, muscle-bound haunches. There’s even a touch of classic E-type in the car’s rear-end styling.

Mind you, no production E-type was ever as quick as the V8 R. A top speed of 300kph (electronically governed), and a 4.2-second 0–100kph sprint time, means that this spectacularly rapid big cat is a direct rival to cars such as Porsche’s 911 and Cayman GTS, not to mention another V8-powered Brit, Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage.

That leads us to an additional comparison with the cars from Newport Pagnell — the Jaguar’s extremely well finished, leatherlined cabin is easily a match for the ostensibly more bespoke interiors of the last few Aston Martins we’ve been lucky enough to sample.

Although don’t expect any retro nonsense such as planks of shiny walnut when it comes to checking out the F-type’s interior — it’s decidedly non-traditional and ultra-modern.

As you’d expect, the V8 R’s cabin is a lot cosier than the convertible — although the optional panoramic glass roof fitted