I got the chance to test out the Jaguar F-Type V8R Convertible for one week. There were lots of things to like about the car and here are some of my favourites.
The V8 Noise
Sure this will be the top of everyone’s list when talking about the Jaguar F-Type, but it was 100% my favourite thing about this car. The exhaust setup on the 5.0 litre V8 engine was simply incredible. Take a look at the video below for an idea of how awesome it sounds.
The car has an active exhaust system, meaning that there is a button in the car to make it louder when required. Enabling this mode, makes the exhaust noise significantly louder and during down shifts will cause excessive popping and banging. But I love it. I found myself having this mode enabled for the entire week. I kept the gear box in the manual, dropping down gears just to hear the drama from the back of an F-Type. You really need to hear this sound to properly understand, but this type of noise will without a doubt help sell the car. Incredible!
Convertible
Next up the convertible roof. Personally, I like my cars with a roof and I think the F-Type coupe looks nicer than the convertible. However, after spending some time with the car in good weather I really started to understand why the convertible is a good option. The roof is rapid, 10 seconds-ish on and off, you can’t argue that. Roof up the sound insulation is good, roof down the car roof wraps away smartly.
But the real magic with the roof down is going back to point one, being able to take in 100% of the sound. It completely changes the experience. You won’t get anything else like it and it is the best way to experience the noise from this beast.
Boot Space
We tested out the convertible version of the car with a space saver wheel in the boot. This literally means you get a tiny amount of luggage space, to the point where you might get 2 litres of milk in either side of the wheel. Not a lot at all. Oh well. The rest of the car is perfect and you can always ditch the spare wheel, which actually works out OK for a convertible car’s boot space.
Real World Performance
So, we are talking a 5.0 litre V8 engine with 550 PS and a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds with an 8-speed box and AWD. This is arguably supercar performance figures. In real life this Jaguar F-Type V8R Convertible feels super energetic and is hugely fast on the roads. Because of the noise and drama from the car it does encourage you to drive faster, which could get you into a spot of trouble. So you do need to exercise some self control with the car.
Beautiful Design
The looks of cars are always up for discussion, but to me the looks of the Jaguar F-Type V8R are near perfect. I love the Aston Martin-esque looks to the car. That long sloping bonnet and huge 20 inch wheels create a great initial look to the car. From the back I love the angular approach to the design and those flat rear lights that stretch around the edges of the car. Just underneath you will notice a tasteful rear diffuser that is painted in the body colour of the car and wraps around 4 hugely aggressive tail pipes. The car is in good shape.
Overall
I think that the execution of the Jaguar F-Type V8R has been perfectly nailed down. This is a great looking car that can comfortably supply a tasteful yet dramatic driving experience.
