The sexiest ragtop on the road becomes the sexiest coupe with the addition of a fixed roof and a generous helping of horsepower.
The sexiest ragtop on the road becomes the sexiest coupe with the addition of a fixed roof and a generous helping of horsepower.
The F-Type Coupe retains the Convertible's handsome front end.
I'm still a massive fan of the ragtop, but the new roof gives the Coupe an absolutely gorgeous and sleek profile.
The F-Type Coupe is available with either an aluminum roof or, as shown here, with a panoramic glass top.
The standard brakes do a fantastic job of slowing the approximately 3,500-pound coupe.
Optional carbon ceramic brakes are what you'll want for on-track use. Models equipped with the carbon ceramic brakes come with forged 20-inch 'Storm' wheels with a gloss black/diamond-turned finish.
Our example was equipped with the optional vision package, which adds adaptive HID headlamps, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a rear camera.
The vision package also includes front and rear parking sensors.
Behind the Jaguar badge in the grille, the carmaker offers a selection of engines that is similar to those available with the Roadster.
The Coupe and Coupe S features a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 outputting 340 and 380 horsepower, respectively.
The Coupe R's engine bay is roughly identical to the V8 S Convertible with one major difference: the coupe's 5.0-liter V-8 engine outputs 550 horsepower -- 55 more ponies than the roadster.
Also like the Convertible, the Coupe features a motorized spoiler that pops up at speed (70 mph) to reduce lift on the rear end.
The Coupe's spoiler looks a lot more awkward than the Convertible's, but it's just as functional.
When parked and with the spoiler retracted, the rear end looks nice and tidy.
V-6 models feature a dual exhaust that exits in the center of the rear diffuser.
The V-8 powered Coupe R distinguishes itself with a quad-pipe exhaust that exits at the corners.
Though the 550 horsepower Coupe R is the most lustworthy Jag in the pride, the base and Coupe S models are not to be overlooked, offering plenty of power and performance themselves.
The Coupe has a nearly 50/50 weight distribution, balancing neatly between its two axles.
The F-Type Coupe looks nearly identical to the C-X16 concept, but without the concept's hybrid powertrain.
Front fender vents are finished in either chrome or black, marking the boundary of the forward-hinged clamshell hood.
I was able to spend some time on the track with a selection of Coupe R models.
The R features an electronic active differential that shifts power between the rear wheels and a brake-biasing torque vectoring system that is unique to the Coupe model.
Around the "Big Willow" circuit at Willow Springs International Raceway, the F-Type proved to be an excellent track tool. There was plenty of grip for the course's fast (and sometimes blind) corners and plenty of power.
The driver-centric, two-seater's interior is largely identical to the Convertible's cabin.
Steering wheel controls on the flat-bottomed tiller are logically laid out. On the bottom spoke, you'll find a subtle reminder of what trim level you've purchased: base, S, or R.
The center console crams a lot of controls into a small area, but the important bits are easy to find and color-coded in copper.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is the only option available. It features standard, sport, and manual shift programs. The latter can be controlled with these copper-colored paddle shifters.
This lever toggles the Jag's various drive modes. Pushing forward toggles the Winter drive mode, which limits torque for slippery conditions. Pulling backward toggles the configurable Dynamic mode.
The climate controls cleverly integrate the dual-zone displays into the control knobs.
The standard touchscreen is where you'll find Jaguar's navigation and infotainment system, a standard feature.
Instrumentation is simple and features a center LCD that displays additional information, including turn-by-turn navigation directions.
Standard audio sources include an auxiliary input, a USB port with iPod control, Bluetooth for audio and hands-free calling, and CD playback. HD and Sirius satellite radio are optional.
Depending on the trim level and options selected, the F-Type Coupe feature either a 380W, 10-speaker or a 770W, 12-speaker Meridian audio system. However, the best audio comes from the Sport Active Exhaust, which opens an exhaust bypass valve for a louder sound.
A pride of Jaguar F-Type Coupes in S and R trims waits trackside. Heaven must be like this.
For as much fun as I had in the F-Type Coupe R on the track, I think I'd enjoy the F-Type Convertible S just as much, if not more, on the road...but I'm probably in the minority here.