2016 Jaguar F-Type R – Quick Drive

The Cat’s Meow

We had the opportunity to drive the 2016 Jaguar F-Type R at his year’s Coronado Festival of Speed in San Diego a few weeks ago. Jaguar had provided a short and twisty autocross course, which certainly allowed us to test the AWD of the second fastest Jaguar that they make. The honor of the fastest goes to the SVR version which adds a little more power and loses some weight.

The direct-injected and supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 has 55 more horsepower than the V-8 S roadster, upping the total to a healthy 550 hp @ 6500 rpm and 502 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm. When we drove the V8-S a couple of years ago, we thought it was pretty fast. This new R is stonkingly quick. With AWD it powers off the line and we estimate, having not had time to use our equipment, it should blast to sixty in 3.9 seconds or less. Top speed is 186mph but it would probably go faster with better tires.

Driving

The extra power and torque made itself felt, especially when mashing the right pedal in the tight corners of the course we drove on. The addition of AWD has done wonders for driver engagement, what you lose in steering feel you gain in having all 4 wheels bite hard. The way the F-Type splits its power from back to front gives you more confidence when you reapply the throttle.

Turn off traction control and some rear slip is still allowed, but with nowhere near the severity of the rear-wheel-drive model. Last time we drove the rear wheel drive S, it skated and thrashed around like a demented snake.  It’s super adjustable mid-corner, and that’s what keeps the stupid grin on your face.

Interior

Inside, the new infotainment system is a re-skinned version of the one before. Seats are great and have perfect lateral support. No faults really except you feel the overall quality could be a little better.

Verdict

Let’s face it Jaguar built this car to go after the Porsche 911 and in some ways cases it does a better job. The exhaust in Dynamic mode seems almost illegal and sustained driving with the windows down will make your ears bleed. We love it. Your heart tells you to buy this car, your head says 911, we say get the Jag.