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2019 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe test drive

One look at the Jaguar F-Type and it mesmerizes you. Its shape and sounds are both beautiful and heart-pumping eliciting an emotional response that usually ends with the word 'yes.'

Jaguar offers a whole range of performance to its low stance, two-door sports car, topping out at the SVR trim in coupe and convertible form. The SVR is modified by its Special Vehicle Operations – the same treatments found in the Range Rover Sport and F-Pace SUV – to a tune of 575 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque coming from its 5.7-litre V-8 engine that's mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.



When you get to the SVR level, it's all about power numbers, getting a throttle fix and letting up for some angry grunts and gurgles, all the while, dreaming about race tracks.

It didn't take much for my 2019 F-Type SVR coupe test vehicle to roar. Simply press down on Dynamic mode button – situated near the gear shift – that's only enhanced through its Inconel titanium exhaust that have two settings: loud and louder. If you're wondering whether to turn on all the gizmos, there's really no choice, the answer once again is always, 'yes.'



Like most house pet, the F-Type wants to play. It may not stick its paw out at you or whine, but the sounds from your last ride simply resonate in your mind. That distinctive roar is intoxicating, and kudos to Jaguar for producing such a sound that's street legal.

Audio stimulation is fun, but the whole package needs to come together, and the F-Type SVR doesn't disappoint. Power is felt instantaneously when touching the throttle. Mash it down and the sports car aggressively blasts off to a tune of a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. Every wiggle and jiggle is felt, but it stays stable on the road thanks to a firm suspension and an all-wheel drive system that manages all four wheels with a rear bias for those track lovers.

If you're worried about losing full control, handling this ferocious feline comes easy as well with a nicely-weighted steering feel, a torque vectoring system that aids in precise turn-ins, and very expensive optional carbon ceramic brakes ($13,260) that are lightweight and effective. If you didn't want to take that optional plunge, standard steel brakes will get the job done.



All F-Types, but especially the SVR, are all about having fun. Feel free to play with its paddle shifters, drive a little harder through tunnels, and deal with the road imperfection bumps that are bound to occur with its low-to-the-ground configuration. The Jaguar brand may be synonymous with luxury, and you will find some of those premium leather and carbon fibre luxuries on its seats and dash, just don't expect a cushiony ride that's made slightly better via its 14-way adjustable seats.

For 2019, the F-Type receives Jaguar's new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, an update that was much needed to stay in-line with other premium automakers. The screen is not only wider, but more crisp and with better graphics. However, for an SVR trim level that starts at $140,500 and goes up $25,000 after a few extras, expectations are raised and it's still not the easiest unit to use. Complications can be found through unrecognizable icons, tiny tuning arrows, and not having Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.



The 2019 Jaguar F-Type coupe is a hoot to drive and listen to. If that's not enough, its cutting-edge looks separate it from the sports car crowd and give it all the appeal needed to make an impression. It's not so typical like a Porsche 911, and if that car enthusiast with plenty of pocket change wants to be different, the F-Type may be the way to go. It starts at $69,500, and with time, hopefully you can work your way up to this seductive SVR.

 

Jaguar gets back to Formula Racing

Jaguar today takes the wraps off its new electric motorsport future, revealing its Formula E team’s official name, vision, title sponsor, driver line-up and electric racing livery.

Starting with the debut race this October, Panasonic Jaguar Racing will compete in the third FIA Formula E season with the first all-electric Jaguar race car in the company’s history: the I-TYPE 1.

The new I-TYPE 1 made a dramatic debut at the Jaguar Collections Centre in Gaydon, England driven by the team’s official reserve driver Ho-Pin Tung. The private media event served as the backdrop from which Jaguar outlined the brand’s commitment to ‘Race To Innovate’ – a mission to change the perception of electric vehicles, to develop new electric technology and to inspire future generations.

Jaguar’s return to top-level racing is spearheaded with an exciting race driver line-up that includes a mix of youth and experience with both Adam Carroll and Mitch Evans confirmed to drive the I-TYPE 1 in the team’s inaugural season.

Jaguar detailed its partnership with Panasonic that will see the leading electronics and automotive technology company partner with the Jaguar Racing Formula E team to develop a future that promises to push the boundaries of electric technology in a performance environment. In addition, Jaguar was pleased to announce automotive seating and electrical systems supplier, Lear Corporation, will also join as an Official Team Partner.

Gerd Mäuser, Chairman of Panasonic Jaguar Racing said: “Today marks a new chapter in the history of Jaguar Racing. As the first premium car manufacturer in Formula E we are proud to be back in top-level motorsport. The future is changing and we’re part of that change. We can’t wait to begin racing competitively in world famous city locations inspiring a whole new generation of Jaguar Racing fans to join us on this exciting journey. Formula E is the perfect platform to inspire the next generation.”

Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, underlined the important role Formula E will play in developing next generation electric vehicle technology and the importance of electric vehicles in Jaguar Land Rover’s future product portfolio. Jaguar Land Rover is Britain’s largest research and development investor across any business sector.

Rogers said: “Over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. The Formula E championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions. We will apply this vital knowledge as part of our real world development. At Jaguar Land Rover we employ 9,000 engineers and the team will draw on these engineers to extract data and push the boundaries of electric technology in a race environment.”



The Panasonic Jaguar Racing team has successfully completed 21 days of testing, up to and including the last Formula E public test, which finished at Donington Park Circuit yesterday.

James Barclay, Panasonic Jaguar Racing Team Director said: “Today is a proud moment for myself and the entire Panasonic Jaguar Racing team at our official launch. Everyone has worked very hard over the last nine months to prepare for our debut in the Championship. I am delighted to welcome Adam, Mitch and Ho-Pin, Panasonic, Lear and all of our new fans into the Jaguar family.

We want to be successful on and off the track. We know that the challenge will be strong – our competitors have a two-year head start. We will be keeping our expectations in check in our first season. Ultimately, we’re here to win but we’re here to innovate too. I would like to thank Jean Todt and his team at the FIA and Alejandro Agag and his team at Formula E for their vision in building this innovative series and for their help and support over the last 12 months with Jaguar’s entry.”

PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING TEAM DRIVERS

Adam Carroll, 33 years old, Northern Ireland
Adam brings speed and experience to Jaguar with a career that spans from karting, to F3, GP2, A1GP, IndyCar and WEC. He has also successfully carried out the bulk of Panasonic Jaguar’s Formula E testing duties.

Adam Carroll said: “It's a real privilege to be racing for Jaguar in Formula E. You only have to look at the calibre of the other drivers in the series to see the level of competitiveness and prestige that this championship now has. To drive for Jaguar is also a dream come true. They are the biggest brand to come into the series and one of the most evocative names in racing.”

Mitch Evans, 22 years old, New Zealand
With multiple karting and open-wheel championship titles to his name including the 2012 GP3 Championship, Mitch is a young driver with proven race credentials. He has also competed in the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 2nd in class in 2015. In 2016, he competed in the GP2 Series for Campos Racing.

Mitch Evans commented: “Formula E is a real drivers’ championship with some of the most competitive racing in the world. Any of the drivers will tell you how challenging it is to find the limit in a Formula E car and gain those extra tenths and I’m looking forward to the season ahead. Some of history's most iconic cars have been developed by Jaguar, and I'm thrilled to be part of Jaguar’s electric future and our return to motorsport."

Ho-Pin Tung, 33 years old, China
Ho-Pin joins Panasonic Jaguar Racing with extensive open-wheel racing experience including F3, A1GP, GP2, WEC, IndyCar and F1 testing. Tung also brings real-world Formula E experience to the team, having competed in three races in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship.

Ho-Pin Tung said: “I believe that Jaguar’s entry to the series is a significant moment for the FIA Formula E Championship. I have direct experience of racing in this series and have seen how effectively Formula E brings a thrilling showcase of next generation technologies right to the cities of fans around the world. I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the future of electric mobility and to Jaguar’s significant racing legacy.”

BMW and Jaguar Land Rover focus on car sharing programs

We've long known about the car2go program featuring the Smart fortwo, and recently featured Ford's new GoDrive, but now both BMW and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) are jumping into the car sharing fray.

BMW will be using its new ReachNow service to debut in the EV-friendly city of Seattle; while JLR is still in the early stages with the launch of a technology business of its own called InMotion, an app service that aims to tap into a younger generation that are looking for short journeys hauls on the cheap.

It may be a first for JLR, but BMW has similar programs in Europe, but Seattle will be its first venture into the United States. The Emerald city will receive a fleet of 370 cars including BMW 3-Series, i3s and MINI Coopers. BMW expectations are for the ReachNow program to launch in three other North American cities this year with eventually hitting a total of ten major North American cities.

ReachNow works a bit differently from your typical ride share program, as it charges by the minute. This may seem expensive, but it's geared towards urban dwellers that need a ride for a short hall, even if it's a one-way trip. ReachNow vehicles can be located, reserved and paid for through a smartphone app. If you need the car for a specified period of time, a pre-determined price will be offered.

As for JLR's InMotion, the British brand will begin product testing in North America, Europe and Asia with public road tests to follow.

  • Published in News

Michelle Rodriguez hits 201 mph in the Jaguar F-Type SVR

We've been told that the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR could hit 200 mph (322 km/h), but we hadn't seen it until Hollywood actress Michelle Rodriguez strapped on a helmet and attempted this feet on a closed highway in the Nevada desert.

Rodriguez famous for playing Leticia "Letty" Ortiz in the Fast and the Furious franchise was stoked throughout this test with a previous high speed of 140 mph in a car. For this mission, she managed to hit 201 mph, the fastest the 575-hp coupe had ever been driven.

  • Published in News

2017 Jaguar F-Pace Preview at CIAS

We look at the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace at the 2016 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto.

Closest Competitors:
- Porsche Cayenne
- Mercedes GLE
- Audi Q7
- Lexus RX
- Range Rover Sport
- BMW X5

 

  • Published in Videos

Jaguar to unveil most powerful road car in Geneva

This March, the 2016 Geneva Motor Show will open up its doors to the world with a plethora of production and concept premieres. You will hear and read a lot about them, but one reveal that currently stands out comes from Jaguar.

Jaguar plans to unveil the SVR high-performance version of its F-Type coupe. It will be the fastest ever produced by the British outfit with a top speed of 321 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint in close to 3.5 seconds. All of this power begins with its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces a staggering 575 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque that is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The numbers with this SVR are impressive, as its horsepower trumps that of the current fastest vehicle produced by Jaguar, the F-Type R version by 25 hp.

The F-Type SVR possesses an enhanced aerodynamic package for the front bumper and splitter, flat underfloor and carbon fibre active rear spoiler. All are aimed at cutting through the air, while reducing drag. Additionally, carbon fibre has been used throughout to shed weight, making this variant 55 lbs. lighter than the F-Type R.

The SVR version of the two-seat sports car will come in coupe or convertible form, and is expected to go on sale in the summer. American prices will start at $125,950 for the coupe and $128,800 for the convertible, so we will have to see how that translates into Canadian dollars.

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