{"id":68185,"date":"2013-04-17T01:03:15","date_gmt":"2013-04-16T23:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gtspirit.com\/?p=68185"},"modified":"2013-04-16T23:36:09","modified_gmt":"2013-04-16T21:36:09","slug":"first-drive-jaguar-f-type-v8-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtspirit.com\/2013\/04\/17\/first-drive-jaguar-f-type-v8-s\/","title":{"rendered":"First Drive: Jaguar F-Type V8 S"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/p>\n The Jaguar F-Type V8 S is the top model of a launch range that includes the Jaguar F-Type V6 and Jaguar F-Type V6 S. We’ve explored the other two models in depth already. Our final day with the F-Type focused on the V8 S. It promises more of the excellent dynamics coupled with unrivaled atmosphere. It is the first true sports car to leave the Jaguar factory in almost 40 years.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll immediately notice the V8 by its quad tailpipes as against the V6 model and its twin central pipes. Our example also had the optional 20 inch wheels with carbon fibre inserts and a truly awesome Firesand Metallic paintjob. From the rear the tailpipes make it look more muscular, yet the body panels are exactly the same as any other F-Type model.<\/p>\n The V8 S is the daddy of the F-Type range. It gets the same familiar 5.0 litre Jaguar unit as we have seen in cars like the Jaguar XKR, XFR and XJ Super Sport. It is slightly detuned for the F-Type, producing 495hp rather than the 510hp we have become accustomed to. Yet the F-Type is a lighter, smaller package and can in fact feel every bit as fast on the road. The F-Type V8 S reaches a limited top speed of 186mph with 100km\/h in 4.3 seconds and 60mph in just 4.2 seconds.<\/p>\n\r\n The V8 features a supercharger mounted in the centre of the cylinder banks. Superchargers are a rare commodity nowadays. It works perfectly in the F-Type V8 as well as giving an edge over the competition. Throttle response is instant and power is available across the rev range. The throttle does need a progressive and steady foot to get the most out of the power.<\/p>\n The Jaguar F-Type has a riveted aluminium monocoque. The stripped version we saw on display during the track portion of our visit is a thing of beauty, yet it also allows the F-Type to retain high levels of strength with lower levels of weight. In fact, the entire body is constructed from aluminium too, with the exception of the rear spoiler, finished in plastic. Despite the larger engine, the Jaguar F-Type V8 S only weighs 1,665kg, 67kg’s more than the V6.<\/p>\n The V8 chassis benefits from the full range of Jaguar refinements. The dynamic mode is present as is sport mode. Riding through the Spanish foot hills, one particular setup stands head and shoulders above the rest. Sports mode with full Dynamic Mode setup is how most will drive the V8. Dynamic Mode prevents automatic upshifts, it also sharpens the throttle response, adds more weight to the steering, relaxes the traction control and sharpens the gearbox. These can all be configured through the TFT screen in the centre console to eliminate any one of the enhanced characteristics.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n For anything other than motorway cruising, manual shifting with the steering wheel mounted paddles feels very natural. In automatic mode, the eight speed gearbox constantly shifts and occasionally you get left without optimal gearing. However, manual mode allows you to control this. Each gear is stacked close together, meaning you get a wide range of usable power in each ratio. For travelling along canyon roads you\u2019ll want to stay in third to take advantage of the optimal power range. Travelling through the villages, second offers a quiet refined ride. Yet the moment you back off the throttle, the exhaust lets out pops and burbles, ever eager to exite. It is a genuinely brilliant gearbox that allows you to make the most out of the F-Type’s V8.<\/p>\n Despite having a heavier engine up front, the weight still feels very balanced. On wide open roads, the pace of the supercharged engine is electric. The power delivery is continuous, coupled with the soundtrack, the experience is addictive. Being a roadster, the extreme rigidity of more hardcore performance cars isn’t quite there. Yet it doesn’t need to be. The F-Type is focused largely on the thrill of driving and it certainly delivers.<\/p>\n As we’ve mentioned in our other F-Type reviews, one of the greatest features is the active exhaust system. As the power increases, so does the noise. The V8 S has twice the atmosphere as the V6 models. With the exhaust valves fully opened, the noise is simply incredible. The harder you drive it the better it gets too. Once the heat has built up, the pops and bangs only increase. Without a doubt, it is one of the greatest exhaust notes you will ever hear.<\/p>\n\r\n