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. 
- Published in CAR REVIEWS