2012 Jaguar F-Type 3.0L V6 8AT RWD (340 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Jaguar introduced the F-type convertible on the market in 2013 after almost four decades since the last E-Type rolled off the assembly line from Coventry, and the new model revived the brand from the ground up.

Even though it came as a replacement for the XK series, it was considered by many as the spiritual successor of the E-Type. It shared the basic ideas of that iconic model in the Jaguar’s history book. Moreover, it was introduced as a roadster, and the coupe came afterward while usually automakers were doing the other way around. The British brand shined again, and the F-Type marked a milestone in the automaker’s history, just like the E-Type did in 1961 when it appeared in the automotive arena. This model was expected by many, and Jaguar showed it as a concept in 1986 and then again in 2000. Unfortunately, Ford didn’t consider it worthy and postponed it until it sold the British brand in 2007. The new owner, Tata Motors, thought the other way and pushed the R&D department to finalize it. As a result, in 2011, the final concept, known as the C-X16, broke covers in a coupe shape. That’s why the roadster came as a surprise for many.

The F-Type has shown a new design language for Jaguar. Its front fascia featured a broad grille mounted low on the bumper and flanked by functional side scoops that cooled the front brakes. The swept-back headlights were above the bumper and blended rounded lines with sharp angles. In addition, the bulge on the hood resembled the one from the E-Type, while the side vents on the front fenders were adorned with chromed trims. From its profile, the short cabin was followed by a sloped-down deck and enlarged rear quarter panels that gave the car a muscular look. Finally, depending on the engine version at the back, the F-Type featured a twin, center-mounted exhaust or a quad-system with two pairs of pipes on each side of the vehicle, peaking through the diffuser.

Jaguar made the F-Type with plenty of room for two adult-sized passengers. The high-bolstered bucket seats provide much-needed side support for their occupants during high-speed cornering maneuvers. The dashboard, the center stack, and the center console didn’t take any old button or switch from the XK lineup, even though the car was based on that roadster’s platform. In front of the driver, the F-Type featured an instrument cluster with two large dials and a color display that showed data from the onboard computer. In addition, Jaguar showed its expertise in creating unique interiors when it made retractable center vents that popped up from the middle of the dashboard, and that was something unseen on the car market. Still, the buttons that controlled the power seats on the doors were already old news for other premium brands, such as Mercedes-Benz.

Under the hood, the F-Type Convertible came with a wide engine range that started, surprisingly, with a turbocharged inline-four. In addition, Jaguar also offered a supercharged V6 and the mighty, heavy V8 supercharged. Most of the car’s versions were paired with an eight-speed automatic and sent the power to the rear wheels only. Still, the automaker knew that with such powerful engines, an all-wheel-drive should be considered and offered it as an option for selected versions.