Answers to Your Questions About the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR
We Spent a Week Driving the Jaguar F-Type SVR. You Wanted to Know How It Was. We’ll Tell You.
Late last year, Jaguar gave me the keys to a 2017 F-Type SVR. In turn, I gave you all a chance to ask your questions about my time with it. Now, I’m giving you the answers to those questions.
Q: “With a base price of $127,940 – probably average of $140k? what justifies a price that high vs say a Vette? The fact that it has 17 more HP than an R and uglier bodywork and a tacky spoiler? Sorry but when excellent examples of 2015 Rs can be found for $70k or 2016 Rs for $80k, who spends this kind of money for something ‘a little better.’ If they would have improved the R, evolved it into the SVR with a mild price increase than maybe I could see it but if you could explain how/why this car is $35k more than a new R that would be informative. As far as being able to hit 200mph – fantastic and useless to the 99.9% of US purchasers.”
A: As you can imagine, that’s largely in the eye of the beholder. Factors could include the price premium Jaguar can demand as a well-known, high-end, import, performance car manufacturer. I’d say the F-TYPE’s gorgeous design counts for a lot as well, although I’m a fan of the new ‘Vette’s lines, too.
Going by base prices alone, the SVR Coupe is $20,550 more than the R Coupe. Perhaps Jaguar would argue the difference in price can be chalked up to the SVR’s positioning (an SVO model at the top of the F-TYPE range), output (575 horsepower), parts and materials (“enhanced aerodynamics package of front bumper and splitter, flat underfloor, carbon fibre active rear wing and rear venturi reduces lift and drag,” “Uprated chassis featuring new dampers and anti-roll bars, wider tyres, lightweight 20-inch forged wheels and new, stiffer rear knuckles”, “Titanium and Inconel exhaust system delivers an even more purposeful, harder-edged sound – and a 16kg weight saving,” and “Unique SVR seats with Lozenge Quilt pattern, suedecloth-covered instrument binnacle and centre console, SVR steering wheel and anodised aluminium paddle shifters”), and special tuning (“Bespoke calibrations for the Quickshift transmission and the Electric Power-Assisted Steering, Adaptive Dynamics, Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control and All-Wheel Drive systems.”)
Q: “How fast does it go?”
A: Officially, it goes from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph. Unofficially, from the driver’s seat, it feels more exciting than the 2015 Audi R8 V10 plus I tested in 2015, but not as thrilling (or frightening) as the 2015 Nissan GT-R I drove.
Q: “Does it drive as awesome as it looks?!?!”
A: For the most part. I understand the functional reasons behind why Jaguar puts the aggressive aero on it, but the basic F-Type shape is perfect by itself in aesthetic terms because of its curves and proportions. Although the carbon ceramic brakes were grabby at low speeds, they behaved better once I started going faster. They scrubbed off speed quickly and predictably. The throttle, even in Dynamic mode, was well tuned. Never had to worry about lurching.
Q: “Does the Meridian stereo work well, or does it exhibit the symptoms that many here have?”
A: I do remember hearing an unexpected rattling sound, which seemed to come from behind the passenger seat. I was surprised, given that I was in a car with fewer than 6,000 miles on it.
Q: “Do you really feel 4.5% difference in power between the SVR and the R?”
A: It’s been a long time since I’ve driven the R so my memory of it is a little faded, but I would give the SVR the edge.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
