I was privileged enough to attend a special drive event hosted by Jaguar Land Rover Canada at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Quebec. Last week, I detailed my extreme off-road experience with big Land Rovers; now, as promised, it's time to focus on some adrenaline-packed 2014 Jaguar F-Type roadsters I also drove.
There were six cars available for testing including two V8-S models, two V6-S models, and two V6 models. Participants were allowed two laps with each, and no more than four laps overall. As you can imagine, the fun was over all too quickly.
The base V6 produces 340 horsepower, the more potent one generates 380 horsepower, and the burly V8 cranks out a fantastic 495 horsepower. All three are supercharged and sound wicked, making for exhilarating times behind the wheel.
Jaguar engineers really did their homework when developing the F-Type. With a fast-operating 8-speed autobox (not quite as fast as dual-clutch units, but still), gear changes are always smooth and timely -- unless you're a professional driver, this transmission will do the job. It even blips the throttle when downshifting for that sweet rev-match sound.
I did not try the base V6, but I heard it, and let me tell you one thing: If you ever plan to buy one, make sure you select the sport exhaust option (standard on V6-S and V8-S models), because it really gives the 2014 Jaguar F-Type the roar it ought to have.
In terms of track handling, I preferred the V6-S, which felt more balanced, less nose-heavy, and almost as good sounding as the V8-S. The former has a higher pitch, while the latter evokes muscle-car . That being said, you'll have to agree with me that not many people will buy an F-Type to spend time on a track.
That is why I recommend you buy a 2014 Jaguar F-Type V8-S (if you can afford it). Few sports cars are as pleasant to drive on a daily basis. It may not be the sharpest, fastest or most rewarding, but with 495 spirited horses under the hood it will happily dance around a track at the slightest prod of the throttle.
The F-Type V8-S is a refined muscle car with genuine British sex appeal that successfully achieves its primary goal of putting a big smile on your face and filling your ears with wonderful decibels. It is that good.
Not interested in a convertible? You're in luck, because the 2014 Jaguar F-Type is also available as a fixed-top coupe. If you want even more power, just wait for the upcoming 550-horsepower F-Type R.
There were six cars available for testing including two V8-S models, two V6-S models, and two V6 models. Participants were allowed two laps with each, and no more than four laps overall. As you can imagine, the fun was over all too quickly.
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| Photo: Frédéric Feudi |
The base V6 produces 340 horsepower, the more potent one generates 380 horsepower, and the burly V8 cranks out a fantastic 495 horsepower. All three are supercharged and sound wicked, making for exhilarating times behind the wheel.
Jaguar engineers really did their homework when developing the F-Type. With a fast-operating 8-speed autobox (not quite as fast as dual-clutch units, but still), gear changes are always smooth and timely -- unless you're a professional driver, this transmission will do the job. It even blips the throttle when downshifting for that sweet rev-match sound.
I did not try the base V6, but I heard it, and let me tell you one thing: If you ever plan to buy one, make sure you select the sport exhaust option (standard on V6-S and V8-S models), because it really gives the 2014 Jaguar F-Type the roar it ought to have.
In terms of track handling, I preferred the V6-S, which felt more balanced, less nose-heavy, and almost as good sounding as the V8-S. The former has a higher pitch, while the latter evokes muscle-car . That being said, you'll have to agree with me that not many people will buy an F-Type to spend time on a track.
 |
| Photo: Frédéric Feudi |
That is why I recommend you buy a 2014 Jaguar F-Type V8-S (if you can afford it). Few sports cars are as pleasant to drive on a daily basis. It may not be the sharpest, fastest or most rewarding, but with 495 spirited horses under the hood it will happily dance around a track at the slightest prod of the throttle.
The F-Type V8-S is a refined muscle car with genuine British sex appeal that successfully achieves its primary goal of putting a big smile on your face and filling your ears with wonderful decibels. It is that good.
Not interested in a convertible? You're in luck, because the 2014 Jaguar F-Type is also available as a fixed-top coupe. If you want even more power, just wait for the upcoming 550-horsepower F-Type R.
 |
| Photo: Frédéric Feudi |