Jaguar F-Type Coupe launched

Strong, powerful with a design that comes alive, the F-Type Coupe is here to shine.

Turning on the Jaguar F-Type Coupe is like the car is coming alive. With the push of a button and you get a fierce loud growl that would give the unsuspecting by-stander a good shock, as if it were really a cat! That was what happened when they turned on the car hidden behind the darkened glass: everyone jumped a foot in the air. I don’t think I need to elaborate on the reaction it received when the car was revved to show off the soundtrack.

The design is based on the stunning Jaguar C-X16 concept sports coupe that was debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The slick side panels and high bottom end that emits the growling soundtrack, the Jaguar F-Type Coupe is a looker indeed. We have heard too many praises of the “bottom” of the car, but we have to admit that the “bottom” is the best angle of the coupe.

A good-to-know fact about the F-Type Coupe’s body side is made of a single piece of aluminium pressing resulting in a lightweight yet extremely strong bodyshell for the car. This gives the shapely coupe a good balance yet lightweight feel when racing through the empty highway.

Jaguar suspects that the F-Type Coupe’s aluminium pressing is probably the most extreme cold-formed aluminium body side in the automotive industry, this eliminates the need for multiple panels and cosmetic joints.

There are two variants to choose from, the S variant and the R variant. The lower spec-ed S (not really) is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine. The S produces a maximum power output of 375bhp and a torque of 460Nm giving the car the ability to make the century sprint 4.9 seconds. Top speed? 275kph. 

If that is impressive than take a look at the R variant’s spec sheet. It has Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that produces a colossal 543bhp power output and a 680Nm of torque. Make that century sprint in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300kph. But this is the electronically limited record, imagine what the car is capable of when it isn’t! 

If you want that satisfying growl go for the R and remember to turn off the “Silent Exhaust” option!

Both the F-Type R and F-Type S features Jaguar’s eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift transmission which is optimised for sporting performance. The transmission has a full manual sequential control from the central Sportshift selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles. 

Jaguar also took this opportunity to introduce their “How alive are you?” Brand Friends. The campaign revolves around the seductive and emotional appeal of Jaguar cars and speaks of Jaguar’s confidence and their progressive spirit.

For the Malaysian leg of the campaign, Jaguar has got art gallerist and collector Lim Wei-ling, visionary entrepreneur Dato’ Steve Day and singer songwriter Yuna. All personalities Jaguar has chosen are dedicated to perfecting their unique talents and refining what it means to be truly “alive”.

The F-Type S variant retails at RM899,888 (OTR without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia and the F-Type R is priced at RM1,158,888 on-the-road excluding insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. There sure are a lot of eights in the price!

- Source: Astro