As the Jaguar I-Pace becomes the luxury segment’s first dedicated battery-electric car to confront Tesla, the F-type enters
Jaguar’s updated two-seater will start at $61,745 for the coupe and $64,845 for the convertible, an increase of $850 over the new-for-2018 four-cylinder base model. Renamed P300, the entry-level F-type comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine good for 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The three supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 models whittle down to two—the 400 Sport was only for 2018—
While brake-based torque vectoring is now standard on all F-type models, the P380 R-Dynamic adds a limited-slip rear differential, adaptive dampers, 20-inch wheels (up from the standard 18s and optional 19s), and the (in our opinion) 100 percent required option that is the driver-switchable active exhaust. This system used to be standard on S and all manual trims but now is a $225 stand-alone option. Don’t drive an F-type without one.
The F-type R, with its 550-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, is the priciest upgrade. It costs $101,745 to start, and it can only be had with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission. The 575-hp SVR brings a titanium exhaust, extra carbon fiber, and enough mods to safely reach 200 mph, and it starts at $123,745. Convertibles on both V-8 trims add $3100.
The 2018 F-type added LED headlights, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, a backup camera, and the upgraded InControl Touch Pro infotainment system as standard. Therefore, not much changes for 2019. Eighteen exterior colors join a new SVO Premium Palette, which means it’s no longer possible to order a bright orange F-type without dropping at least $4900.
Two no-cost options are our personal favorites: a rear badge delete (removing everything except the Jaguar logo and leaper) and a spoiler delete on SVR models. But removing the fixed articulating wing on the SVR brings severe consequences to the owner’s ego, like a speed limiter set to the R’s 186-mph top speed. Inside, the F-type sports a new 10-inch touchscreen that spans two inches more than before, thanks to the removal of the physical shortcut buttons on the left and right sides. A frameless rearview mirror and new bezel trim for the side air vents round out the changes.