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Video: Farewell to the F-Type
Rory Reid reviews the Jaguar F-Type R 75, the final edition of the legendary F-Type.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 7 September 2023 | 0 min read
This year, Jaguar is officially ending an era and retiring the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that has been at the heart of some of its most exciting cars of recent years.
The F-Type R 75, the final edition of the legendary F-Type, will be the last Jaguar to use the V8 engine before the manufacturer pivots towards its electric future. As we celebrate Jaguar's 75th year, Rory explores how this car makes a fitting send-off to this chapter.
The F-Type R 75, the final edition of the legendary F-Type, will be the last Jaguar to use the V8 engine before the manufacturer pivots towards its electric future. As we celebrate Jaguar's 75th year, Rory explores how this car makes a fitting send-off to this chapter.
Why the retirement?
Jaguar's decision to retire its V8 signals a shift in the company's strategy. The British icon is committing to an electric future, and aiming to compete in the luxury segment against rivals like Bentley.
To ensure it’s bringing its best to this new era, Jaguar is moving from older technologies in favour of more sustainable and efficient electric powertrains. After all, change is the only constant in the world of cars.
To ensure it’s bringing its best to this new era, Jaguar is moving from older technologies in favour of more sustainable and efficient electric powertrains. After all, change is the only constant in the world of cars.
The F-Type 75 offer a nostalgic goodbye
The F-Type 75, commemorating Jaguar's 75th anniversary, might not appear drastically different from its predecessors, but there are subtle touches. It comes in a special Geola Green paint finish, complemented by gloss black alloys and a 75th Edition silhouette badge – an ode to Jaguar's storied history.
Fans of the F-Type will appreciate it maintains its classic design, with a circular steering wheel, physical buttons, digital screens, and Meridian sound system. Two seats and modest fuel-efficiency (it is a big V8 petrol engine, after all) mean this car won’t be right for everyone, but the 407-litre trunk (in a sports car, no less) and improved emissions compared to older generations mean this car does offer something a bit different to its predecessors.
Fans of the F-Type will appreciate it maintains its classic design, with a circular steering wheel, physical buttons, digital screens, and Meridian sound system. Two seats and modest fuel-efficiency (it is a big V8 petrol engine, after all) mean this car won’t be right for everyone, but the 407-litre trunk (in a sports car, no less) and improved emissions compared to older generations mean this car does offer something a bit different to its predecessors.
V8 engine performance
We are, of course, also saying goodbye to Jaguar’s 5.0-litre V8 engine. It delivers 450 horsepower in the F-Type 75, and a whopping 575 horsepower in the F-Type R 75. You’re also getting 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph.
Where most modern sports cars use turbocharging for extra power the Jaguar’s more traditional supercharger sets it apart for a character all of its own, the fact this is driven mechanically rather than by exhaust gases meaning instant, lag-free boost as soon as you get on the throttle. Something F-Type drivers have long-appreciated. Suffice to say, this combination of a muscular engine, all-wheel drive, and eight-speed quick-shift gearbox results in exhilarating performance. The retirement of the Jaguar F-Type V8 marks the end of an era in the world of sports cars, but is this car a fitting close to the chapter? Watch the full video to find out, and subscribe to YouTube for more like this.
Where most modern sports cars use turbocharging for extra power the Jaguar’s more traditional supercharger sets it apart for a character all of its own, the fact this is driven mechanically rather than by exhaust gases meaning instant, lag-free boost as soon as you get on the throttle. Something F-Type drivers have long-appreciated. Suffice to say, this combination of a muscular engine, all-wheel drive, and eight-speed quick-shift gearbox results in exhilarating performance. The retirement of the Jaguar F-Type V8 marks the end of an era in the world of sports cars, but is this car a fitting close to the chapter? Watch the full video to find out, and subscribe to YouTube for more like this.