The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Nov
18th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
Have you noticed Jaguar lately? I mean to say, as opposed to in the last two decades or so? Seriously, Jag is on the prowl (had to...), improving upon or introducing new products and a concept over roughly 24 months.
Hype is created for numerous reasons, but the best one (in my opinion) is when a new car comes to life. This is especially true when a revered and adored brand such as Jaguar is the company birthing that new car. It is all the more hype-worthy when it's a sports car, something Jaguar has not offered in over 40 years.
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type has, in one damn sexy move, eclipsed the XK and every other car in the lineup. The F-Type does not disappoint in any way, shape or form. In base trim, the car proved to be phenomenally agreeable to drive. Staring at from my living room window was just as gratifying. Another legend is born.
What is a Jaguar F-Type?
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling.
The F-Type is a 2-seater roadster in the truest sense. It blends panache and prestige into a sensuous package that has rekindled the world's love affair with the house from Whitley, Coventry, UK.
2014 Jaguar F-Type Price and Specs
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type comes in three delectable flavours that increase taste-bud activity as the price climbs.
The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. For $76,900, you get a car that will trip the 100km/hr mark in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 km/hr. An 8-speed QuickShift transmission is standard. As tested, with performance seats featuring contrast stitching ($3,600), climate pack ($650), and a few other goodies, my F-Type rolled in at $85,500.
The first step up from the “standard” car is the F-Type S that features, among other things, a 380-horsepower version of the V6. Pricing starts at $88,900. The top-notch F-Type is the V8 S with its all-conquering 495-horsepower supercharged 5.0L V8. Prepare to dish out $100,900 for this one. And this one will destroy the 0-100km/hr dash in only 4.3 seconds.
Driving the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
It is very difficult not to get excited at the prospect of driving this car. As I looked over it, from our 2nd floor offices with key fob in hand, I could scarcely wait to leave the stuffiness of my cubicle and feel alive, wind flowing over my skull.
I must admit that within minutes of leaving the lot with the car (in Dynamic mode, with the top down) I'd become annoyed with the exhaust's farting and belching off-throttle and through shifts. I've since checked into a wonderful institution that reminded me that my mommy still loves me and that eating the occasional shoe is OK.
I've digressed from what soon thereafter became an extremely pleasurable aural experience. This V6 doesn't make the F-type especially fast as much as it makes it a rapid mode of two-passenger transit. The trick is in the linear power delivery with hesitation-free throttle response, even in non-Dynamic mode.
With the box set in manual mode, flapping away gears is fun. More than just that, the instantaneous shifts, rev-matching and accompanying sounds almost make me think a manual do-it-yourselfer would be pointless...
By far, my favourite aspect of the car's drive is its steering. The 2014 F-Type's ultra-quick and responsive connection to the front wheels is rewarding as it builds confidence. The lightweight aluminum body construction is one of the car's best features and is instrumental in its handling. Weight distribution is ideal, and the car's all-round forged aluminum double wishbone suspension all work in concert for fantastic amounts of grip, both front and rear.
Then, select Dynamic mode. Steering weighs up just a tad, the throttle has more bite, and shifts gain urgency. The fun really begins now.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type's top drops in moments over 10 seconds (and at speeds up to 50 km/hr), but as far as I'm concerned can stay latched as long as it likes.
The F-Type's design is plain and simply brilliant. All will agree that the car is stunning to behold, gorgeous to stare at -- this is a mindless exercise. The brilliance lays in the fact that all the multiple design elements (such as the deployable door handles) can be absorbed rapidly, allowing the eye to fully appreciate the intricacies, every line, and crease. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is truly one of the most beautiful cars on the road today.
The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. The optional performance seats add a degree of seriousness to the business of piloting this car.
Fit, finish, and materials are dignified and deserving of this car. Every surface is perfectly textured, from the top of the dashboard to all the controls. HMI, through the touchscreen, is good but requires some time to adjust too.
Comparing the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type may be a star and a legend in its own right, but it's not alone in that respect. In roughly 15 years' time, the Porsche Boxster has become a go-to sporty drop-top for those looking for performance and styling. Other notables include the BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z roadster, and Audi TTS and RS.
The Jag has more panache than any of these and commands a higher price that is well worth it.
Hype is created for numerous reasons, but the best one (in my opinion) is when a new car comes to life. This is especially true when a revered and adored brand such as Jaguar is the company birthing that new car. It is all the more hype-worthy when it's a sports car, something Jaguar has not offered in over 40 years.
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type has, in one damn sexy move, eclipsed the XK and every other car in the lineup. The F-Type does not disappoint in any way, shape or form. In base trim, the car proved to be phenomenally agreeable to drive. Staring at from my living room window was just as gratifying. Another legend is born.
 |
What is a Jaguar F-Type?
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling.
The F-Type is a 2-seater roadster in the truest sense. It blends panache and prestige into a sensuous package that has rekindled the world's love affair with the house from Whitley, Coventry, UK.
 |
| The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
2014 Jaguar F-Type Price and Specs
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type comes in three delectable flavours that increase taste-bud activity as the price climbs.
The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. For $76,900, you get a car that will trip the 100km/hr mark in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 km/hr. An 8-speed QuickShift transmission is standard. As tested, with performance seats featuring contrast stitching ($3,600), climate pack ($650), and a few other goodies, my F-Type rolled in at $85,500.
The first step up from the “standard” car is the F-Type S that features, among other things, a 380-horsepower version of the V6. Pricing starts at $88,900. The top-notch F-Type is the V8 S with its all-conquering 495-horsepower supercharged 5.0L V8. Prepare to dish out $100,900 for this one. And this one will destroy the 0-100km/hr dash in only 4.3 seconds.
 |
| The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
It is very difficult not to get excited at the prospect of driving this car. As I looked over it, from our 2nd floor offices with key fob in hand, I could scarcely wait to leave the stuffiness of my cubicle and feel alive, wind flowing over my skull.
I must admit that within minutes of leaving the lot with the car (in Dynamic mode, with the top down) I'd become annoyed with the exhaust's farting and belching off-throttle and through shifts. I've since checked into a wonderful institution that reminded me that my mommy still loves me and that eating the occasional shoe is OK.
I've digressed from what soon thereafter became an extremely pleasurable aural experience. This V6 doesn't make the F-type especially fast as much as it makes it a rapid mode of two-passenger transit. The trick is in the linear power delivery with hesitation-free throttle response, even in non-Dynamic mode.
With the box set in manual mode, flapping away gears is fun. More than just that, the instantaneous shifts, rev-matching and accompanying sounds almost make me think a manual do-it-yourselfer would be pointless...
By far, my favourite aspect of the car's drive is its steering. The 2014 F-Type's ultra-quick and responsive connection to the front wheels is rewarding as it builds confidence. The lightweight aluminum body construction is one of the car's best features and is instrumental in its handling. Weight distribution is ideal, and the car's all-round forged aluminum double wishbone suspension all work in concert for fantastic amounts of grip, both front and rear.
Then, select Dynamic mode. Steering weighs up just a tad, the throttle has more bite, and shifts gain urgency. The fun really begins now.
 |
| A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type's top drops in moments over 10 seconds (and at speeds up to 50 km/hr), but as far as I'm concerned can stay latched as long as it likes.
The F-Type's design is plain and simply brilliant. All will agree that the car is stunning to behold, gorgeous to stare at -- this is a mindless exercise. The brilliance lays in the fact that all the multiple design elements (such as the deployable door handles) can be absorbed rapidly, allowing the eye to fully appreciate the intricacies, every line, and crease. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is truly one of the most beautiful cars on the road today.
The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. The optional performance seats add a degree of seriousness to the business of piloting this car.
Fit, finish, and materials are dignified and deserving of this car. Every surface is perfectly textured, from the top of the dashboard to all the controls. HMI, through the touchscreen, is good but requires some time to adjust too.
 |
| The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Comparing the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type may be a star and a legend in its own right, but it's not alone in that respect. In roughly 15 years' time, the Porsche Boxster has become a go-to sporty drop-top for those looking for performance and styling. Other notables include the BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z roadster, and Audi TTS and RS.
The Jag has more panache than any of these and commands a higher price that is well worth it.