Jaguar’s F-Type has quickly become a modern day icon and a serious threat to the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911. Drawing from the heritage of the XK-E (E-Type) from the ‘60s and ‘70s, Jaguar has blended drop-dead gorgeous lines with modern technology and performance – and has done so without sacrificing luxury or comfort.
Headlining the changes to the F-Type for 2017 is a brand new range-topping model. Although the rabid 550-horsepower F-Type R was every bit the high-performance flagship, Jaguar has opted to press its Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) team into action with an even faster, more aggressive trim called SVR.
The F-Type SVR builds on the F-Type R’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with new intercoolers and a lightweight titanium exhaust to produce 575 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Tweaks to the eight-speed automatic, rear torque vectoring differential, and the all-wheel drive system allow the F-Type SVR to rocket to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and on top an electronically-limited top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h), making it the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar of the ‘90s. The roadster is limited to 314 km/h (195 mph).
SVR F-Types can be distinguished from other models by the standard full-width rear spoiler, revised front air dam and front fender vents. The SVR isn’t just about additional speed, though; it also gets revised suspension components, and can be had with available carbon fibre exterior accouterments, carbon ceramic brakes, and unique lightweight wheels. With select lightweight components, the F-Type SVR can weigh up to 45 kilos (100 lbs) less than the standard F-Type R. Inside, SVRs receive diamond-quilted leather upholstery, a steering wheel with suede inserts, and anodized metal paddles.
Other than the SVR, the F-Type carries over into 2017 without major change.
The standard F-Type coupe and roadster come powered by a 330-hp, 332 lb-ft of torque supercharged 3.0-litre V6 mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h times range from a low of 5.3 seconds with the automatic to 5.7 seconds with the manual.
The S receives an uprated version of the engine, producing 380 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, and is available optionally with all-wheel drive that enables up to 50 per cent of power to be routed to the front wheels. S all-wheel drive models come exclusively with the eight-speed automatic. The quickest S models hit 100 km/h in less than five seconds.
The former F-Type flagship, the R, serves up 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque from a 5.0-litre V8 engine. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R’s 0-100 km/h time is 4.1 seconds.
Pricing for the 2017 F-Type kicks off at $78,500 for the standard rear-wheel-drive Coupe, with the roadster selling for $81,500. The all-new SVR starts at $142,000 for the Coupe, with the roadster selling for $145,000.
