F-Type Jaguar's F-Type Coupé - First Drives - EVO, Autocar etc.

[KiwiRob]

Tesla is rear engined.

So is 2series in reverse

Sure is, here's the electric motors, in the back 911 style behind the rear axle.

 

[Deckhook]

Explain what else do you think is controlled by it's rear engine layout?

I'm not a designer so can't answer this but the sloping nose is able to be done because its engine isn't there and I'm sure its teardrop shape is partly aerodynamics due to the fact the engine was hung out the back and they chose to make it a 2+2 which would have been more difficult had it been mid-engined though not impossible.

I'm sure Porsche chose to continue with this shape all these years because it's became an icon and as such people now buy into this idea as much as any other reason so it is one of the very few truly timeless designs.

 

[kras1]

The XJ may not be the best looking in its class; though, as highlighted above it is certainly one of the more interesting vehicles in its class. I definitely think the XJ has the best front view, it's the rear that gives me pause and that's why I bought a 7. The previous generation Quattroporte had all of the full size sedans beat exterior wise. The interior is where it lost the race.

Contrary to previous posts highlighted above, I would never call the SLS or R8 beautiful. I've never warmed up to the blade and side profile on the R8 and there are several things that are off (long hood, rounded rear, gull wing doors (gaudy), etc.) with the SLS. I think the F type couple looks better than both, and I'd definitely take it any day over ANY current Porsche. I'd take the XKR as well if it had a better chassis as well. After owning a 911 C4S, I got bored with its looks after a few years. Before someone says, but the Porsche is probably engineered better, I don't care because the F Type is beautiful.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Sure is, here's the electric motors, in the back 911 style behind the rear axle.

Man that is as big as a diff in normal people cars

Good attempt though.

 

[Merc1]

The XF doesn't look anything like the XJ.

You said S to C and 7 to 3, so what does the XF have to do with the XJ? Again, it isn't Mercedes and BMW's fault that Jaguar doesn't have a small sedan.

M

 

[Sunny]

I'm not a designer so can't answer this but the sloping nose is able to be done because its engine isn't there
and I'm sure its teardrop shape is partly aerodynamics due to the fact the engine was hung out the back and they chose to make it a 2+2 which would have been more difficult had it been mid-engined though not impossible.

I'm sure Porsche chose to continue with this shape all these years because it's became an icon and as such people now buy into this idea as much as any other reason so it is one of the very few truly timeless designs.

So after some meandering circuitous arguments, you agree with me.

 

[martinbo]

An engine is not a motor and a motor is not an engine.

The interchangeable use of these terms - particularly prevalent in automotive journalism - is technically incorrect.

 

[KiwiRob]

You said S to C and 7 to 3, so what does the XF have to do with the XJ? Again, it isn't Mercedes and BMW's fault that Jaguar doesn't have a small sedan.

M

'
At the moment the XF is Jags small sedan. But I could easily have said A8 looks like and A6 and 7 series looks like the 5 series, I'll let Mercedes off, the E class never really looks like the S class.

 

[deity]

'
At the moment the XF is Jags small sedan. But I could easily have said A8 looks like and A6 and 7 series looks like the 5 series, I'll let Mercedes off, the E class never really looks like the S class.

You speak as though the XF and XJ look entirely different.

 

[Deckhook]

So after some meandering circuitous arguments, you agree with me.

In a roundabout way with regards to the 911 yes but not for the reasons that it's somehow beautiful, more for the reason that as a car itself has gained Iconic status which has lead to it being around that long that Porsche couldn't update it even if it wanted to. I also reckon the F-Type will fall into that category over time but it's looks will be the reason for that rather than the car itself, just as the Aston Martins have. Ian Callum is one of the greatest car designers in my opinion and of late his designs have been on a roll though as a car the F-Type is not perfect, the boot is totally impractical for a start but other than that it's stunning.

 

[Deckhook]

You speak as though the XF and XJ look entirely different.

Here's a better comparison.

IMO the XF is the most handsome looking saloon regardless of class.

 

[martinbo]

XF looks and feels a bit old now imo. I don't even give them a second glance any more. Interior is waaay behind too. Jaguar's salvation lies in its OEM contracts with ZF and the momentum they have courtesy of their engineering gut-busting during the PAG era. The same applies to the heavy, impractical, brawny-yet-imprecise F-Type.

 

[KiwiRob]

the face looks the same, then it's all different from the headlamps back.

 

[Deckhook]

the face looks the same, then it's all different from the headlamps back.

Can't agree, there isn't much different until you get beyond the front doors after which everything changes in my opinion.

 

[Merc1]

'
At the moment the XF is Jags small sedan. But I could easily have said A8 looks like and A6 and 7 series looks like the 5 series, I'll let Mercedes off, the E class never really looks like the S class.

Good. Finally some sense.

M

 

[Deckhook]

^The perfect street car if not ultimately the perfect track one.

I could live with that.

When you've a sound track like that what else could you need.

 

[KiwiRob]

Great review, and from Chris Harris none the less, he is a reviewer who speaks his mind, doesn't mind calling manufacturers out, I'll take what he has to say over pretty much any other reviewer.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Chris is an arse man, and with arse like the one on the F-type, who can blame him.

 

[Sunny]

^The perfect street car if not ultimately the perfect track one.

I could live with that.

Ironical coming from you, the same guy who bemoans ineptness of RWD at every given opportunity and then some.

 

[Gianclaudio]

Ironical coming from you, the same guy who bemoans ineptness of RWD at every given opportunity and then some.

You mean like this Sunny, posted between just hours?

Haven't driven the RS7 but got to drove a business associates RS6 the other day and incredible is the only word that springs to mind, when you've this kind of power AWD is the only way to go you punch the throttle and no drama the thing just rocketed down the road like a scalded cat.