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JAGUAR F-TYPE CONVERTIBLE R-DYNAMIC RWD ( 450PS ) AUTO by Tony Yates
The last time I clapped my eyes on something this beautiful was in the form of the original E-Type . My father had one of the last ones to be made back in 1975 and I can still remember him grinning from ear-to-ear when he pulled up on the driveway of our very humble 3-bed semi back in the 70s . That car stayed with the family for about 10 years , so as you can imagine , I spent most of my youth cleaning it and wondering to myself if I would ever get the chance to own such a thing when I ’ m all grown up .
Of course , I used to start it up now and again when my father was busy down the local pub on a Sunday afternoon . I never attempted to put it into gear of course because I was only 14 – I used to just let it tick over and occasionally press the pedal lightly . To this day my father still does not know this , so ‘ mums the word ’ OK ?
Moving on ; I was thinking the other day about the F-Type and how on earth were Jaguar able to produce a two-seater sports car once again with such staggering head-turning looks that oozes desirability on every level . Well , this is Jaguar , so the process is simple for them . Build a proper driver ’ s car . The End ! The F-Type looks every bit as exciting as I would expect a sports car to look in a modern world - and as I said earlier , it easily has one of the most beautifully detailed body lines that I have ever seen . You can forget your retro Porsche ’ s , the F-Type makes them all look like the ugly ducklings , while the F-Type is in essence roaming around on the lake being the beautiful Swan . I must admit , I was a little worried at first , that Jaguar was trying to follow up from one of its most famous sports cars of all time in the E-Type , a difficult act to follow even for Jaguar , but somehow , they have managed to do this with such brilliance , that it even puts Aston Martin to shame .
Power and Efficiency : My test vehicle was fitted with a 450PS supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that produces 580Nm of torque and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in around 4.4 seconds and will reach a maximum speed of 177 mph meaning you will pretty much leave most things standing still .
The F-TYPE was also fitted with an Active Sports Exhaust that creates a satisfying sports growl . You can then decide to slip away quietly or hit the road more vigorously . If it ’ s the latter , simply press the optional exhaust button on the centre console to open the electronic exhaust valves wider , changing the volume from astonishing to breathtaking .
On and off-road : A joy to drive is what it is . The steering is perfect and accurate , and it makes you feel like you are in control , whatever situation unfolds . The chassis is excellent and it ’ s very impressive in the corners and the twisty stuff , while its grip levels are so high , its borderline insane . The F-Type is also poised , agile and a very engaging drive no matter what your skill level is .
Also , to optimise the F-TYPE ’ s handling and agility , a range of driving technologies are available . These include an Electronic Active Differential which transfers torque for optimal grip . Whilst Adaptive Dynamics rapidly analyses steering input , maintaining the stiffness of each damper . Together they produce the perfect balance of excitement and control .
Safety and Technology : The F-TYPE ’ s cabin layout is just like all Jaguars ’ - perfect ! Jaguar has always focused on the driver , and what they have done on the inside of the F-Type is nothing short of excellent . Such a brilliant bit of interior design from Jaguar and when you are sitting in the driver ’ s seat it ’ s one of the nicest places to be . There is also a whole host of advanced technology designed to keep you safe and to help take the stress out of driving .
You also get an array of kit which includes ; Configurable Dynamics , Adaptive Dynamics , Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking , Rain , Ice , Snow Mode , Dynamic Stability Control ( DSC ), Electric Parking Brake ( EPB ), Anti-lock Braking System ( ABS ), Electronic Brake-force Distribution ( EBD ) 10 ” Touch Pro , Interactive Driver Display , Connected Navigation Pro , Android Auto™ , Apple CarPlay ® Rain-sensing windscreen wipers , Solar attenuating windscreen , Heated electric door mirrors and Flush exterior door handles .
In summary : Epic ! Price : £ 64,685 - £ 105,225 Visit Jaguar . co . uk to find out more .
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