Oh, that happened quickly. One day, there are any number of Jaguar F-Type variants and the next, its whittled down to a handful, and soon to face the chopping block. In its place will be a number of vehicles, but nothing like the 2024 F-Type R.
There will be nothing that speaks to the hearts of driving enthusiasts who treasure the thrill of a sexy two-seat sports car. In an age where so many vehicles are drably utilitarian, the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R stands apart, characteristically gorgeous and slender, with a curvaceous beltline that speaks exactly to what it offers.
For 2024, this rare act comes in F-Type P450, R-Dynamic P450 and R trim levels, as well as F-Type 75 or F-Type R 75 special editions. As always, it’s sold as either a coupe and convertible — or drophead coupe and fixed-head coupe for you anglophiles.
For 2024, the formerly optional Black Package comes standard, which updates its wardrobe with a body-colored spoiler and side sills, a gloss black front splitter, grille surround, fender vents, window surrounds and exterior badges. Meanwhile, F-Type R 75 models wear unique 20-inch wheels and can be specified with exclusive Giola Green paint.
THE INSIDE STORY
Little changes inside, where the cabin remains much as it has since its 2021 freshening.
As you’d expect, it’s an intimate cabin, with minimal storage space. But this vehicle is about pace, not space. If you need more of the latter, buy a Jaguar F-Pace SUV.
Interior quality remains unexceptional for the price, although the bucket seats are supportive, featuring strong bolsters that come close to, but are not, overly firm. All F-Types now come with standard dual zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and six-way power sport seats.
The Tech package consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch center touchscreen with software that may not be the newest, but it works very well. A nice touch is the navigation system, which can be pulled up in the center of instrument cluster. And of course, there’s Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port and a beautiful sounding 770-watt Meridian surround sound system. Then again, the only sound that matters here is the rumble of its driveline.
ONE FAST FELINE
For its denouement, the F-Type comes exclusively with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 and 8-speed automatic transmission rated at 444 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque in the rear-wheel-drive F-Type P450 and the all-wheel-drive F-Type R-Dynamic P450 and F-Type R. Jaguar rates this powerplant as capable of reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
But if you prefer your F-Type to run like a scalded cat, you’ll want the R 75, with 575 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and capable of 3.5-second 0-60 mph times. Count us in.
WHAT WE DROVE
Our top-of-the-line drophead coupe made the sort of noises that delights the soul and wakes the neighbors. But it provides the velocity you’d anticipate with precise handling, somewhat weighty steering feel and an athleticism enhanced by our test vehicle’s adaptive suspension, torque vectoring electronic active differential and upgraded brakes.
This is a no-excuses sports car, pure and simple, so it’s no surprise that the convertible’s trunk holds a mere 7.3 cubic feet of stuff, and there’s no vestigial rear seat to toss tuff on. The coupe, which is far rare than the convertible, holds a more respectable 14.4 cubic feet of cargo.
But this is a car with a specific mission: to provide incredible driving thrills in a wardrobe that drips in pure sex appeal.
That may sound shallow, but so what? Let the altruistic drive minivans. The 2024 Jaguar F-Type R is an automotive middle finger to the upcoming age of electronic vehicles. Grab it while you can; prices start at $77,900.
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