Introducing the new F-TYPE Coupé - the most dynamically capable, performance-focused production Jaguar ever.

Available in three versions: F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE R - all models use a complete one-piece aluminium construction and have been developed to give unrivaled structural rigidity.

Visually the F-TYPE Coupé embodies the uncompromised design vision of the stunning Jaguar C-X16 Concept Sports Coupé that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the sweeping coupé roof profile providing an unbroken silhouette, while emphasising the visual drama of the tapered cabin sitting between powerful rear haunches. At the front sits the wide grille opening, flanked either side by shark-gill air scoops.

Tested here is the entry-level F-TYPE model – the V6 – identified by the simplicity of its lines: twin central exhaust pipes and a simple diffuser at the rear, without the additional black side skirts and extra front badging of the more powerful variants.

Jaguar say that every response, from the steering to the gear change, throttle, brakes and the all-round double wishbone suspension, has been finely honed to be accurate, involving and immediate. This is apparent as soon as you set off down the road, the steering offering the driver lots of feedback and feel. Take the F-TYPE Coupé along a twisty country lane and the chassis feels incredibly agile, poised, fluid and stable – even in wet conditions. The handling balance makes for a car that’s extremely easy to pilot quickly.

As soon as you press the starter button, the 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine enthusiastically roars into life. It might be the junior model in the range, but with 340 PS, and 450 Nm of torque, it’s still as quick as you’d want on the road – pickup is pretty much instantaneous (thanks to a responsive eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift transmission) and it’ll accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, storming on to an electronically limited 161 mph top speed. The Jaguar Performance Braking system (354/325mm discs front/rear) stops the car as vigorously as the gutsy motor propels it forwards. F-TYPE Coupé’s ride on standard sports suspension is firm without being hard and you’re constantly aware of the wonderful exhaust note from the twin centrally-mounted tailpipes – a distinctive throaty roar (reminiscent of an old E-type) and crackling and popping on the overrun.

Once inside the cabin, you settle into the deep, bolstered leather/Suedecloth sports seats and immediately feel cocooned and snug, enveloped by the well-crafted leather covered dashboard and high centre console adorned with infotainment screen and retro-styled switches. The elegance is completed by a well-honed gear selector, starter switch and vent controls that rotate upon startup. F-TYPE Coupé is a strict two-seater, but those two passengers certainly get plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom. Vision from the rear screen is a bit restricted, so the rear camera certainly helps with maneuvering (when it’s not covered with dirt). Sounds from the optional £850 380W 10 speaker Meridian audio system rival that of the engine, with deep bass and clear and open high frequencies.

Verdict:
Without doubt the Jaguar F-TYPE is a thoroughbred sports car – and an eminently worthy successor to the legendry E-Type. The Coupé somehow manages to improve on an already brilliant sports car recipe, with arguably even more stunning looks, and a further dimension of driving involvement.

Tech spec:
Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé – V6
Price: £51,235
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 supercharged
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Max power: 340PS
Max torque: 450Nm
0-62mph: 5.1 seconds
Top Speed: 161mph
Claimed combined mpg: 32.1
CO2 emissions: g/km) 205