There’s something special about getting behind the wheel of a Jaguar F-Type. This sexy beast has stunning looks, a pleasing roar of an exhaust note, and plenty of get up and go with its supercharged V8. But 2024 is the last year of production for the gas-powered F-Type. Jaguar plans to produce only electric vehicles from 2025 on.
Base Price: $113,000
As Tested: $120,575
Horsepower: 575
Mileage: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway/18 mpg combined
The 2024 F-Type doesn’t have the sheer performance of rivals from Mercedes-AMG, Porsche or even the Chevrolet Corvette, and its cabin could use updating. But this is still one special sports car. It’s definitely a head turner with its gorgeous looks and is a blast to drive.
The F-Type was introduced for the 2014 model year. The demise of the F-Type comes on Jaguar’s 75th anniversary so there are two special editions of the 2024 F-Type, 75 and R 75. For 2024, the F-Type also gets more standard features including heated seats, a power trunk lid and blind-spot monitoring.
The two-passenger 2024 F-Type comes in three trims: F-Type R-Dynamic, F-Type 75 and F-Type R75. Starting prices are $77,900, $89,900 and $113,000 respectively. These prices are for the coupe. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on the R-Dynamic trim. The 75 and R75 trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
The F-Type is also available as a convertible in each trim for an additional $2,000.
The R-Dynamic is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that makes 444 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. The other trims get a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 575 horses and 517 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with full manual control using either the gear selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Push the start button and this cat purrs with a satisfying growl of an exhaust note. Hit the accelerator and the F-Type rockets off the line. Jaguar says the R75 can jet from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The R-Dynamic is no slouch either, going from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The F-Type has athletic handling. Steering is sharp and brakes are responsive. The eight-speed shifts quickly, always finding the right gear. The F-Type is a hoot to take out on twisty back roads, it’s well-mannered enough for city driving, and is also a comfortable and confident cruiser on the freeway. But be careful – it’s way too easy to find yourself above the speed limit. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but poor to the rear. While the F-Type’s performance is not as sharp as more race-tuned rivals, it’s still a thrilling ride!
Fuel economy is what you’d expect for a sports car with a V8. EPA ratings for my AWD tester are 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with a combined rating of 18. I got 19 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is attractive with high-end materials, excellent fit and finish, and lots of standard features. But it’s in need of an update. The infotainment system is showing its age with dated graphics and leisurely response times, and while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, both require a cord. The cabin can get loud from engine and wind noise, especially at higher speeds. The seats are comfortable and supportive. Two average-size adults will fit fine. Keep in mind, though, that this is a true two-seater – there’s no space behind the front seats. That means things like your handbag have to go on the passenger side or stowed in the roomy trunk.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather and suede upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable and heated seats with memory settings, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen, 10-speaker Meridian audio system, satellite radio, navigation, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, one USB port, Bluetooth, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a universal garage door opener.
Available features include a suede headliner, Windsor leather upholstery, performance seats, ventilated seats, and ambient interior lighting.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and driver-attention monitoring.
As noted above, the infotainment system is getting long in the tooth. Graphics look dated and the system can be slow to respond to touch and voice commands. On the plus side, handy physical controls make it easy to make adjustments in audio and climate settings.
Cargo space is generous for a luxury sports car. The coupe has 14.4 cubic feet in the trunk. I had no trouble going on a Costco run and getting a huge bag of dog food and other items. It’s a different story in the convertible with only 7.3 cubes.
The good:
Stunning looks
Choice of two powerful engines
Athletic performance
Pleasing exhaust note
Coupe has lots of trunk space
Lots of standard features
The not-so-good:
Performance not as sharp as some rivals
Cabin needs updating
Old-school Infotainment system
Convertible has little cargo space
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $113,000. The full extended Leather Upgrade is $2,550. 20” Style 5061 split-spoke wheels are $2,100. Carpathian Grey premium metallic paint is $1,550. Nubuck edged carpet mats are $100. Delivery fee is $1,275 bringing the grand total to $120,575.
Bottom line:
The F-Type is one of those iconic sports cars, and its stunning looks and potent V8 engines will be missed. Sure, this handsome kitty isn’t perfect, but the 2024 F-Type goes out on a high note. In its last year, the F-Type remains a great blend of luxury and performance. We can hope that Jaguar produces a comparable electric version.
