Some cars simply transport you from one point to another, while others evoke a passion so deep that you find yourself yearning to drive all day and night, lost in the symphony of speed and power. The Jaguar F-Type Coupe (F-Type 75 P450) is undeniably one of the latter. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing this automotive masterpiece, thanks to Jaguar Land Rover South Africa (JLR SA). As we stand on the cusp of an electric future, the Jaguar F-Type serves as a poignant reminder of an era where driving was about more than just efficiency – it was about emotion, exhilaration, and a visceral connection to the road. In what might be its final iteration, this iconic sports car encapsulates the essence of Jaguar’s legacy: raw power, exquisite design, and an unfiltered driving experience that speaks to the heart as much as it does to the mind. The F-Type is not just a car; it is a swan song for petrol-powered passion, a final, roaring celebration before the quiet hum of electric motors takes over.
By 2025, JLR says that it will have transformed into an all-electric luxury brand, defined by pioneering technologies and visionary design. The transition is already in motion, with a curated range of electric and hybrid models paving the way. As JLR noted in a recent press release: “A copy of nothing. We are already on the journey to electrification, with a curated range of electric hybrid and full electric models. Today’s Jaguar range comprises the I‑PACE all‑electric performance SUV, F‑PACE performance SUV, E‑PACE compact performance SUV, XE and XF saloons, XF Sportbrake and F‑Type sports car.” Designed and engineered in the UK, Jaguar vehicles are now sold in 117 countries, underlining the global reach of this storied brand. The Jaguar F-Type made its debut as a convertible in 2013, Jaguar’s first two‑seat sports car in nearly 40 years. It was met with universal acclaim, winning the 2013 World Car Design of the Year. The coupé followed in 2014, and since then, 87,731 F‑Types have been produced. It will continue to be available until early 2025, marking the end of an era. This June, the final Jaguar F‑Type sports car rolled off the production line at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich facility, destined for the Jaguar Heritage collection. This moment was 50 years to the day since the last Jaguar E‑Type left the production line—a fitting tribute. The final F‑Type, a 5.0-litre V8 Convertible in Giola Green with a black roof and a Tan Windsor leather interior, mirrors the elegance of the last E‑Type Series III Convertible, which was produced in 1974.
The Driving Experience: A Week with the Jaguar F-Type 75 P450 Coupe
The Jaguar F-Type is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, delivering 331 kilowatts of power and 580 newton-metres of torque, coupled with an eight-speed Quick-shift transmission. This combination allows the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds. Throughout my week-long test, I found myself eagerly anticipating each drive. The car offers a perfect balance of performance and driver engagement, with a soundtrack that crackles and pops with every gear change—a symphony of power that is addictive and unforgettable. The F-Type is undoubtedly a car worthy of a place in any discerning driver’s garage, ideal for weekend escapes or exhilarating track days.
Exterior elegance
The F-Type Coupe’s exterior is a study in automotive art. The super-slim pixel LED headlights, with signature ‘Calligraphy’ J daytime running lights, integrate seamlessly into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of its clamshell bonnet, emphasising the car’s wide, assertive stance. The front bumper and subtly enlarged grille enhance its visual impact, while the muscular rear haunches and slender rear lights – featuring an unmistakable LED chicane signature – exude an aura of dynamic elegance.
Interior Luxury
Inside, the F-Type is a masterclass in traditional Jaguar craftsmanship, elevated by modern materials. Windsor Leather, satin-finish Noble Chrome, and exquisite details like monogram stitch patterns and Jaguar Leaper motifs create an atmosphere of refined luxury. The 12.3- inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster offers a choice of displays, with the large central rev counter underscoring the car’s driver-focused nature. The Touch Pro infotainment system, complemented by a Smartphone Pack with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, ensures that cutting-edge technology is always within reach.
With 178 awards to its name, the Jaguar F-Type is the definitive expression of Jaguar sports car DNA. As we look toward the future of new energy vehicles, it remains to be seen how the next generation of F-Types will capture the essence of this beloved model. Starting at R2 105 600, the Jaguar F-Type 75 P450 Coupe competes with the likes of the Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (R2 477 000) and the Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster (R2 400 216) – but for those who value another perspective of heritage and a connection to a bygone era, the F-Type offers something truly unique.
