> 2016 JAGUAR F-TYPE R

Price: $117,500-$145,000, $120,500 as tested Type: two-door, two-seater sports car Propulsion: front-engine, all-wheel drive Cargo: 407 L Engine: 5.0-L V8, supercharged, direct-injection Transmission: eight-speed automatic Power/torque: 550 hp (405 kW) at 6,500 r.p.m.; 602 Nm of torque at 3,500 r.p.m. Fuel consumption: 9.2 L/100 km as tested Brakes: Front: twin-piston sliding caliper; 380-mm ventilated discs; Rear: single-piston sliding caliper; 376-mm ventilated discs Tires: Front: 255/35r20, rear: 295/30r20 Standard features: rain-sensing wipers; powered tailgate; deployable rear spoiler; heated mirrors; heated, 14-way performance seats; dual-zone auto climate control with air filtration; cruise control with automatic speed limiter; Meridian 770W 12-speaker surround-sound system; flat-bottomed leather steering wheel; switchable active sport exhaust; rear parking aid; eight-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth and navigation; adaptive sport suspension; electronic active differential; dynamic stability control (with TracDSC mode); quad exhaust pipes. Competition: Porsche 911 Carrera 4/4S, Audi R8 What’s best: The glorious sound and driving experience. What’s worst: The tall of torso may find themselves flying blind with an obscured view of the dash. Most interesting: This car brings a compelling argument to the allwheel-drive versus rear-wheeldrive sports car debate and the loss of the RWD model in North America is likely to be polarizing. Website: jaguar.ca Looks: Widely regarded as one of the most stunning examples of modern sports car styling. Interior: Suitably appointed with rich, high-end suedes and leathers. Some care has been taken to enhance outward visibility. For example, the shape of the rear window fits perfectly in the rearview mirror, so not an inch of potential sightline is lost. Performance: Pairing the 5.0 L V8 with all-wheel drive puts this car within reach for a wider range of drivers who will appreciate the confidence its steadiness inspires. Technology: Lots of it in use here — active diff, torque vectoring, DSC are examples — but the sort of drivers who will appreciate the AWD V8 will also find these contribute to enhancing their driving experience. Rating: A visceral driving experience, as aided as it may be in this model. A shame to have the experience dampened somewhat by ergonomics. Score: 8.5/10