When it updated the F-Type, Jaguar replaced the supercharged V6 in the middle of the lineup with a V8. This, it turns out, was a good decision.
Jaguar calls it the P450 and it’s the Goldilocks of the F-Type range, according to Carfection’s Henry Catchpole. It is, simply put, fun.
Although Catchpole wouldn’t begrudge you the four-cylinder (it’s quite well balanced he says) it does feel a bit lacking in terms of power. It’s not bad, it’s just a bit too tame to be a sports car.
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The more powerful F-Type R, meanwhile, does make more power but it only comes in AWD. That’s good for putting the power down but does make it a bit less fun in the corners.
The P450, on the other hand, is just right. With all of the poise and balance of the 4-cylinder, but without the wanting for power, and all of the excitement of the R, but less lunacy and a bit more fun, the P450 is just right.
It will only take you a few seconds-worth of this video to understand how good the V8 sounds, too. And although it can howl and pop and wail with the best of them, it isn’t always howling and popping and wailing. If you want to start it in the morning without waking your neighbors, you can that. And then a quick pop of the exhaust button and you’re howling again.
It’s not all perfect, though. The damping can be overwhelmed by some big bumps and the transmission is a little lazy, but there isn’t a whole lot to complain about.
More importantly, the materials are great. Soft leather, slim, uncomplicated seats, and an air of reserved luxury give the Jag just the quality and sophistication it needs to make itself a little niche in the market.