The snarling supercharged Jaguar F Type R coupe

Jaguar wowed the performance car arena when it introduced the voluptuously curved F-Type coupe. A front engine two seater available as both a coupe and a convertible, the more seductive model is actually the one that cannot take off its top.

This particular 2015 example is the supercharged R model producing 550hp routed to the rear wheels via an 8 speed automatic torque converter transmission. This particular combination is extremely responsive and with the Dynamic Mode, the exhaust provides regular conversation of the impolite kind. The Type R sounds so good, the engine start-up helped close the sale of this particular example.

The owner, an experienced track day participant has had a variety of high performance cars,
most recently a Mercedes C63 coupe which is possibly one of the best all-around performance
cars on in the sub $100k market. But it isn’t exotic and visceral as this fast feline. The Nissan GT-R was briefly considered but should be part of the Infinity dealer experience, not Nissan. And the styling is dated and definitely lacks artsy, enticing curves.

This one is Ultimate Black with a nice metallic flake, optional blacked out trim and darkened wheels. A nice touch and partially addressing the widely reported tail happiness, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires upgraded one size to 265s in the front and 305s in the rear. When on public roads, the limits are extremely high, and only a fool would explore them with stability control switched off. To experience
the tail happiness, you’re either drifting or going way, way above the posted speed limit.

Some also say the interior is space is too tight but there are much more cramped two-seaters on the market. This one fits two six foot plus adults easily. Extra passenger legroom beyond what was needed was limited; reclining the 14-way adjustable seat meant having the seat bottom automatically move forward, or moving the seat back meant the backrest automatically moving upright. It was done quietly without the sound of creaking leather at the limit of seat travel. Another refined touch was the fact that the footwell didn’t get warm despite multiple blasts of acceleration. The interior is eautifully finished in black trim accents, black leather and red stitching. Configurable lighting adds a custom touch and the flat bottom steering wheel looks aggressive and was part of the blackout package.
Everything looks properly luxurious, designed with care and well made.

Multiple aspects are especially appreciated, per the owner. The sound of course, yet the mufflers can be hushed with a rocker switch on the center console! The styling is exceptional, it’s very omfortable and a quiet cruiser at speed on the highway and the adjustable shocks make for a nicely compliant ride. Another surprise for the owner….no squeaks or rattles!

Asked about any disappointments, a little bit of slop in the knobs and buttons was one item, although they looked quite good. Also his opinion was that the Meridian Sound System was lacking. What is appreciated about the ’15 model from a purist’s perspective, is the rear wheel drive. The 2016 R models are all wheel drive only.

The F-Type R is a sexy beast that sounds far better than the supercharged V-6 non-R models. Truly a fun, curvaceous grand touring two seater that makes for a strong argument for a fast, engaging personal luxury coupe with real sounds and organic curves that is immensely fun to drive but practical enough for a trip to the grocery store or the gym.