I know it has been a while since I have posted anything. I have heard from many of you about how much you missed me! Ha! well I have been busy trying to make a living since I can't do it driving cars :(
I am sure you have all seen the ads for the new F Type Jaguar. It has been getting a lot of press as well. For over 30 years Jag has been effectively out of the sports car market. The last E Type was produced in 1974. Over 70,000 of these beauties were sold in its 13 year run and today is still considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
I remember my first experience with an E Type. My parents decided I needed to grow up a bit so they shipped me off for a summer to a camp in Europe. Actually it was a traveling camp and we went all over Europe that summer. I was the ripe age of 14 and was accompanied by my best friend from Jamaica and approximately 40 girls from all over the US. It was a "tough" summer! We were in the south of France for about a week and young tour director, who took a shine to us said he was taking a day off and would we like to go with him. I needed a break from all those fine American lasses and most importantly he had a brand new red E Type convertible.
The first time I saw it I feel in love. The lines were so sexy. It had curves like a reclined woman. For those paying attention at this juncture you will be wondering how three of us were going to do a road trip in a two seat Jag. Well one of us had to ride "bitch" sitting up above the seats. And that was me in this case. I did not care it was an E Type Jag and we were headed to St. Tropez.
The Jag was a beast as we ripped through southern France growling at every car we passed. By the time we got to the beach I was wind blown but smiling ear to ear. The E Type became my dream car for that summer and I have never lost my crush on that beautiful auto.
Ian Callum has made it clear that he was not trying to re-create the E type with the new F Type. he wanted the car to have clear lineage with the E type but be a modern Jag sports car. I think he did a fabulous job. While the F Type is smaller than it looks on TV it is sexy and destined to be another classic Jaguar.
The design clearly has blood lines from the E Type and the D as well. The really impressive part is this truly a sports car. Jaguar did not muck about and develop a sports tourer for old farts like me. They made a sports car.
The minute you enter it you know it is a special breed. Start the engine (particularly the V8) and it growls letting you know it is ready to play. The interior is typical British finish - tight and refined but modern in most respects. The seats are comfortable and while it is not a spacious cabin you don't feel cramped.
The F Type comes in three configurations (if you don't count the one-off P7). The base model or F Type is powered by a supercharged V6 engine producing 340 HP. The F-Type S is also powered by a supercharged V6 but this time producing 380 HP. And then there is the F-Type V8 S producing 495HP from a supercharged V8.
Along with driven power plants each model also has unique features. For instance the Type S comes with 19 inch wheels, black calipers, adaptive dynamic suspension, limited slip diff and active sports exhaust. The V8 S has 20 inch wheels, quad tailpipes, electronic active differential, 14 way leather sports seats, rear parking sensors and auto dimming exterior mirrors.
The base is tested at 5.1 0-60 mph and a top end of 161 mph. The Type S is rated for 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 171 mph. The big V8 S is showing a 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and has top speed of 186 mph. None of the cars are slow and boy are they fun to drive. All have a quick shift 8 speed gear box with paddles. Base pricing is set at $69,000 for the base; $81,000 for the Type S and $92,000 for the V8 S. Naturally the price will depend on how you outfit the car. Keep in mind that the dealers will not discount these cars as they are very hot in the market.
The view from the rear of the car is clean and mean. the center stack exhaust is my personal favorite but the thin wrapping taillights are fun as well. The rear raises up a bit like the E-Type but with a more modern flair. The side view is sleek but with strong lines, high haunches, flared wheel wells and flush door handles. There is a curve both front and rear that gives the car a stronger stance. The rake of the windshield is just right and the slats or vents on the side are classic with a modern flare. From the front she is all Jag. There is no mistaking that signature grill with black mesh, the sloping hood and cat eye headlights. The hood vents add a sporting flare along with the front damper and brake cooling ducts. In real life it is smaller than one might image but with only a 103 inch wheel base it should be.
Between its looks, sound, performance and pedigree this new F Type Jag has hit the mark. My only concern is the price points. For a two seat sports car they are definitely on the high end of the spectrum. You can get a pretty loaded new C7 Corvette which has more performance and some would argue is just as sexy, for around $65,000. That is cheaper than the base model F Type. Initially I think they will sell well because they are new and different but I wonder if they will have staying power at these prices.
I know this when I am looking at my next car the F Type will be on my short list. Till then I will cherish my memories of my ride in the E Type to St Tropez.
I am sure you have all seen the ads for the new F Type Jaguar. It has been getting a lot of press as well. For over 30 years Jag has been effectively out of the sports car market. The last E Type was produced in 1974. Over 70,000 of these beauties were sold in its 13 year run and today is still considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
I remember my first experience with an E Type. My parents decided I needed to grow up a bit so they shipped me off for a summer to a camp in Europe. Actually it was a traveling camp and we went all over Europe that summer. I was the ripe age of 14 and was accompanied by my best friend from Jamaica and approximately 40 girls from all over the US. It was a "tough" summer! We were in the south of France for about a week and young tour director, who took a shine to us said he was taking a day off and would we like to go with him. I needed a break from all those fine American lasses and most importantly he had a brand new red E Type convertible.
The first time I saw it I feel in love. The lines were so sexy. It had curves like a reclined woman. For those paying attention at this juncture you will be wondering how three of us were going to do a road trip in a two seat Jag. Well one of us had to ride "bitch" sitting up above the seats. And that was me in this case. I did not care it was an E Type Jag and we were headed to St. Tropez.
The Jag was a beast as we ripped through southern France growling at every car we passed. By the time we got to the beach I was wind blown but smiling ear to ear. The E Type became my dream car for that summer and I have never lost my crush on that beautiful auto.
Ian Callum has made it clear that he was not trying to re-create the E type with the new F Type. he wanted the car to have clear lineage with the E type but be a modern Jag sports car. I think he did a fabulous job. While the F Type is smaller than it looks on TV it is sexy and destined to be another classic Jaguar.
The design clearly has blood lines from the E Type and the D as well. The really impressive part is this truly a sports car. Jaguar did not muck about and develop a sports tourer for old farts like me. They made a sports car.
The minute you enter it you know it is a special breed. Start the engine (particularly the V8) and it growls letting you know it is ready to play. The interior is typical British finish - tight and refined but modern in most respects. The seats are comfortable and while it is not a spacious cabin you don't feel cramped.
The F Type comes in three configurations (if you don't count the one-off P7). The base model or F Type is powered by a supercharged V6 engine producing 340 HP. The F-Type S is also powered by a supercharged V6 but this time producing 380 HP. And then there is the F-Type V8 S producing 495HP from a supercharged V8.
Along with driven power plants each model also has unique features. For instance the Type S comes with 19 inch wheels, black calipers, adaptive dynamic suspension, limited slip diff and active sports exhaust. The V8 S has 20 inch wheels, quad tailpipes, electronic active differential, 14 way leather sports seats, rear parking sensors and auto dimming exterior mirrors.
The base is tested at 5.1 0-60 mph and a top end of 161 mph. The Type S is rated for 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 171 mph. The big V8 S is showing a 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and has top speed of 186 mph. None of the cars are slow and boy are they fun to drive. All have a quick shift 8 speed gear box with paddles. Base pricing is set at $69,000 for the base; $81,000 for the Type S and $92,000 for the V8 S. Naturally the price will depend on how you outfit the car. Keep in mind that the dealers will not discount these cars as they are very hot in the market.
The view from the rear of the car is clean and mean. the center stack exhaust is my personal favorite but the thin wrapping taillights are fun as well. The rear raises up a bit like the E-Type but with a more modern flair. The side view is sleek but with strong lines, high haunches, flared wheel wells and flush door handles. There is a curve both front and rear that gives the car a stronger stance. The rake of the windshield is just right and the slats or vents on the side are classic with a modern flare. From the front she is all Jag. There is no mistaking that signature grill with black mesh, the sloping hood and cat eye headlights. The hood vents add a sporting flare along with the front damper and brake cooling ducts. In real life it is smaller than one might image but with only a 103 inch wheel base it should be.
Between its looks, sound, performance and pedigree this new F Type Jag has hit the mark. My only concern is the price points. For a two seat sports car they are definitely on the high end of the spectrum. You can get a pretty loaded new C7 Corvette which has more performance and some would argue is just as sexy, for around $65,000. That is cheaper than the base model F Type. Initially I think they will sell well because they are new and different but I wonder if they will have staying power at these prices.
I know this when I am looking at my next car the F Type will be on my short list. Till then I will cherish my memories of my ride in the E Type to St Tropez.