The F-Type has been a perennial favourite here. Since its introduction more than a decade ago, it’s been praised consistently for doing one thing really well — evoking actual emotion. Where its competition focuses on power numbers, value, and brand heritage, the F-Type has always just looked beautiful inside and out, sounded wonderful, and exuded class. Now, as it prepares to drive off into the sunset, we jumped behind the wheel of the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible to experience it for the final time.
After a few years of teasing us as “the last one”, we started to doubt Jaguar’s word. It seemed as though the F-Type was going to stick around, until the news broke that Jaguar will be killing off all models with the exception of their F-Pace crossover. Now, this truly is the final edition of the iconic British roadster, and we’re sad to see it go. In any configuration, the F-Type is a true stunner, but our tester was painted in Portofino Blue, showing the car’s lines superbly well. The F-Type was given a few nip-tucks over its production run, but the general profile has remained the same and it’s aged extremely nicely.
Over the years, various powerplants have been offered on the F-Type, from a frugal turbo-four that never really suited it to a couple variants of Jaguar’s 3.0-litre supercharged V6, and topping out with a few more versions of their supercharged 5.0L V8. Now, only the V8 is available, which on one hand contributes to the higher starting price. But also — wow. The intoxicating engine and exhaust note of this fire-breather is second to none, and the 575 horsepower doesn’t hurt it either.
Out on the road, a few intricacies separate this Jag from its rivals. It handles decently; it doesn’t quite have the precision of a Porsche 718 Boxster but by no means does it handle poorly. The electrically assisted power steering isn’t devoid of feel, either, and is reasonably responsive; turn-in is sharp and even with the standard all-wheel-drive, the F-Type threatens to misbehave if you don’t watch your right foot. The chassis is extremely well-balanced and the car doesn’t feel as floppy as other coupes-turned-convertibles.
Fuel economy isn’t exactly a strong suit of anything with a V8 under the hood, but the F-Type does have respectable ratings of 15.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway. We observed a combined 13.6 L/100 km, but really, it’s hard to stay out of it with a car that has a personality this rambunctious. Naturally, as with anything else in this price point, 91-octane fuel is required.
Pricing starts at $110,650 for the base P450 and $130,200 for this R75 P575 model. Our tester, with the Meridian Surrond Sound system, black-painted wheels (which we’d do without), and extended leather comes in at $135,980 as-tested. Comparatively speaking, its rivals at this price point — the 718 Boxster GTS, the BMW M850i Cabriolet, and the Lexus LC 500 Convertible — are all vastly different.
The F-Type and Boxster are similarly sized and feel about as nimble as the other, while the other two are more so gran-tourers. I’d give the nod to the Boxster if just for Porsche’s unmatched ability to hold resale value; the same can’t be said for Jaguar. The BMW is very good at what it does, but is rather numb compared to the rest of the pack.
If sheer personality and character is what you’re after, the F-Type is the ticket. There’s simply no other car in its category that has the panache and smile-factor, but with more and more automakers gravitating towards electrification, cars like this are at the verge of extinction. It’s sad, because the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible is one of those cars that really is a modern day poster car. Until we meet again, old friend.
