Jaguar F type - initial reviews

[sars]

If the F Type had 3.0l supercharged V6 with 300 BHP, reasonable emissions and fuel economy, build quality of the Evoque, for £45k plus options I would be there no hesitation.

What's interesting is that the F Type was supposed to be in the same philosophy as the E Type, in 1961 the E Type convertible was £2,100 at launch. A mid range saloon, the Mondeo of the time was half the price. Jaguar obviously used the cheapest XF as there comparison and not an £18k Mondeo

 

[Sketchley]

regardless of price, it is very pretty

 

[Zeld4]

If the F Type had 3.0l supercharged V6 with 300 BHP, reasonable emissions and fuel economy, build quality of the Evoque, for £45k plus options I would be there no hesitation.

What's interesting is that the F Type was supposed to be in the same philosophy as the E Type, in 1961 the E Type convertible was £2,100 at launch. A mid range saloon, the Mondeo of the time was half the price. Jaguar obviously used the cheapest XF as there comparison and not an £18k Mondeo

You can pay up to £30,000 for a Mondeo so it looks like they've judged the entry level F-type perfectly

 

[cj10jeeper]

Been working - well and messing around in a Jag dealers too, so slow response.

I defend the statement of a global ressurgence. I'm comparing to Jaguar of the 80's to 20's when frankly it got lost and nearly died producing tat from what is one of the worlds most iconic brands. The JLR group is now selling really well, has a fabulous line up and has world beating cars.
The XJ sells all they can make to China (which frankly is more important than UK or Europe Sales) XF turned the company around, etc. and all the models that are being launched speaks volumes for he investment by Ford and now Tata coming to fruition. Add new engine plants being built, employing thousands more in their UK factories and it's a real turnaround.

Watch them launch more Landies and 3 series competitor next and a lot more niche models already in the wings.

Back to the F type - It's a clever piece of marketing and a halo car for the brand. Speaking to JLR pitching against the Porshe is clever. They have been at it for decades, so to even discuss the F in the same breath speaks volumes for what they have done with their first proper sposts car in 60 years. All sold before being built and a 12 month waiting list.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Couple of launch photos for you

and something I'd have taken from the showroom if it wasn't guarded

 

[-Tom-]

Last thing reminds me of an s type .. Very odd, back looks kind of Chrysler crossfire

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[original guvnor]

I wish I shared your confidence CJ. I think with Jaguar they've got a mountain to climb. I think there has been an awful lot of hype about the F-Type. They may well have sold out with a 12 month waiting list but if you only make a few thousand a year it hardly amounts to a lot. They only sold 50k cars in total in 2012. I hope you are right and I am wrong though because as you say there are a lot of jobs riding on it.

As a slight aside - BMW apparently only sold 15,249 Zed's in 2012 which was an 18.9% decline on 2011. Apart from the 7-series (-13.9%) it was the only model to sell less than the previous year and it was the lowest selling model in the entire BMW range (excluding Mini).

 

[cj10jeeper]

I wish I shared your confidence CJ. I think with Jaguar they've got a mountain to climb. I think there has been an awful lot of hype about the F-Type. They may well have sold out with a 12 month waiting list but if you only make a few thousand a year it hardly amounts to a lot. They only sold 50k cars in total in 2012. I hope you are right and I am wrong though because as you say there are a lot of jobs riding on it.

As a slight aside - BMW apparently only sold 15,249 Zed's in 2012 which was an 18.9% decline on 2011. Apart from the 7-series (-13.9%) it was the only model to sell less than the previous year and it was the lowest selling model in the entire BMW range (excluding Mini).

They sure have got a mountain to climb and fighting against deeply entrenched well establised competition in BMW with 3 & 5 series, Audi and others, but are making progress at a real rate of knots.

3 years ago you'd never have seen me in a Jag. Old man's car on a Ford chassis
Wouldn't even go to a dealers, then by chance disillusioned by BMW's offerings, bland Audis and old Mercs I looked inside one and compared with what else was around was astounded by the way and XF looks, feels, handles, etc. plus all sorts of things we dismiss like dealers who care, make the experience pleasant.
My XF has a knocking noise and 6 months outside of warranty they are fixing it. Changed countless components and not sorted it to their satisfaction. It's being fitted with electoronic ears next week to locate it and then back again. I get a top end courtesy car while in and the cost - of this work - ZERO. Try that at BMW Merc, Audi.

Oh the car I teased with. Concept car of a few years back. Looks very neat in the flesh and is I guess design language for Jaguar of a decade ago and possibly their 3 series

 

[Anonymous]

the F type is about promoting name, to change the assumption that its for old flat hatted old men.

Well Kryton's video hasn't done much for that aim. 1600kg with a slush box and over 3 seconds a lap slower than the bog-standard 991 Carrera Cab. Looks like an old mans cruiser again to me.

The 991 had no PDK gearbox, PDCC suspension, and no Sports Chrono package it sure ' was' bog standard, to me the Jag is way, way off the mark.

 

[Breaker]

Went to the launch today of the F Type at a local dealer. Got to admit it is the best looking sports i have ever seen in the metal!! Inside also!!

Some iphone pics:

 

[Breaker]

A lot of the switch gear and even the consul compartment lid and cup holders are the same as my Evoque, which is no bad thing to be honest (they are probably XF stuff any way!).

Even the mirrors look like a slim version of the Evoques!

 

[Breaker]

The dealer was telling me that the gold switch on the consul that switches between Sport and Normal is the actual same switch they use on an F16 fighter jet!! In the jet it is used for Eco mode or battle mode!! He also said the front lights are designed around the lights that are on a ship from Star Wars!!

What with the Evoque looking like a Storm Troopers helmet, they must have some real geeks in the design team!!

BMW, you need to up your game!! Hopefully the 4 Series will sort all that out!

 

[imp75]

Agreed Breaker, its a beauty. Roll on five years when they can be had for the price of a super mini

 

[Breaker]

Agreed Breaker, its a beauty. Roll on five years when they can be had for the price of a super mini

Exactly what I said to the wife!!

 

[ocrx8]

A white V8 drove past me earlier - stunning looking car!

 

[ZermattV]

Photos don't do this car justice - I saw one at the Jag Dealership on Thursday and in the flesh its stunning - has a road presence that the Cayman/Boxter simply don't have it's clearly from a class above think Aston Martin AMV8 .


It's interesting that a lot are writing the F Type off based on the reviews- Yet we all drive Zeds which has rarely won a review against the Boxter . Not every car choice is based on what Autocar/ Car thinks.


the F Type for me has been positioned to allow room for a smaller roadster based on the future X Type replacement.

 

[original guvnor]

It will appeal to Jag's core demographic. I don't think it will broaden their appeal that much. I can't see many mid 30 something's, with a few quid who might buy a 991, choosing this to be honest.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I had the pleasure to road test one today. V6 supercharged. It's simply awesome. Steering is precise and easy, suspension compliant and body very rigid. Acceleration is stupid with paddle shift, sports option,etc via 8 speed auto. Biggest suprise is the active exhaust that opens when sport selected or can be manually controlled. Just makes insane noises and pops and crackles.

Interior is luxurious and well put together, seats comfortable.

I can't afford one but it'll sell well without doubt.

Also chatted to Jag management guy who has the XFR-S and that's another story. 500hp v8 saloon

 

[ZermattV]

Lovely