JAGUAR F -TYPE 3.0 LITRE V6
by Tony Yates
I have always said that Jaguar has been absent for far too long
from the two seated sports car market. The last time was in the
form of the E-Type, and the last one of those ever made was
way back in 1975. So, it was about time that Jaguar once again
proved that it can make another proper two seated sports car.
Well I am happy to say, that it has done just that, in the form of the F-Type.
The Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat sports car with staggering head turning looks
that oozes desirability. The F-Type looks every bit as exciting as I would expect
a sports car to look in a modern world - and it easily has one of the most
beautifully detailed body lines that I have ever seen. You can forget your retro
Fiat Spiders and your sleek Ferrari’s, the F-Type makes them all look like the
ugly ducklings, as it roams around being the beautiful swan.
I have to admit, that I was a little worried at first, that Jaguar was trying to
follow up from one of it’s most famous sports cars of all time - the E-Type, a
difficult act to follow even for Jaguar, however they have managed to do this
with such brilliance, that it even puts Aston Martin to shame.
The F-Type I was testing was equipped with a modern, lightweight soft top
that, when lowered, serves as its own tonneau cover. This not only provides
considerable weight savings - but also contributes to the car’s low centre of
gravity. The top can also be fully raised or lowered in seconds at speeds of up
to 30 mph.I also like the hidden, automatically deploying door handles that
remain flush with the door panel until activated by unlocking the car with
the key fob. The F-Type has full LED rear lamps that give it its own unique
signature by reinterpreting classic E-Type cues from the past - and moving it
right into the future. By just looking at the back of this car, you will instantly
know it’s the F-Type. I also like the twin centre exhaust outlet fitted to the V6
models. This is also a classic nod to the Jaguar E-Type introduced in 1961. The
front lighting also features new LED headlights and LED ‘J’ blade Daytime
Running Lights which are as powerful as they look. These headlights reach
further into the darkness than previous generation units, producing a highly
focused beam of light with a quality closer to daylight, helping your eyes
distinguish objects more easily.
On the Road: A joy to drive is what it is. The steering is taut 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 twisty corner stuff, while its
grip levels are so high, its borderline skateboard. The F-Type is also poised,
agile and a very engaging drive no matter what your skill level is.
96 wirrallife.com
Also, to optimise the F-Type’s handling and agility, a whole range of driving
technologies are available. These include Torque Vectoring, Adaptive
Dynamics and an Electronic Active Differential. Each one works to enhance
the driving experience through increased control, traction and feel.
Power and Efficiency: The 340PS supercharged V6 pro