I went to the F-type launch party at the local dealership. I received an invite via email, through the local Jaguar club. They do not have any inventory yet, apparently, stock will start to arrive sometime in June or July, and even then, for first allocation - I think they mentioned that they would only have 3.

This is the second time for me to see the car in person. The first time, I've seen it at the DFW Auto Show. At that time, the car was roped off. This time, I was able to get in, pop the hood, tried the seat, get a feel of the interior etc. The car that they have is a traveling factory car, which tours from city to city, promoting the car. It is the S-model, with blown V8.

It's quite a pretty car. The translation from the CX-16 concept to the actual production is done well IMO. The seat is well-bolstered, unlike the seat on the XK - at least not on my X100 XKR - styled in the same mold like the ones on the XKR-S.





I did not have a good shot of the rear end but from the rear, the car looks big, due to the wide track. I think the rear tire aspect is 295/35 or maybe 295/30 ....

What's a little disappointing is that the grill mesh in front, and on the lower intakes are plastic. I would expect Jag to put metal mesh there, but I'm just nit-picking I guess.

Flush door handle - ala DB9


Interior shot:


The car also has a 'loud' button. Press that - and it really really roars. I asked one of the sales guy to rev it and I have that on video, will post after upload.

Bonus shot - a C-type on loan to the dealership from one of the local club member:




It's a very pretty car, looks to be well-powered, with the 3 different motors. The dealership has pre-printed comparative sheet showing comparison between all F-type trims with 911 Carrera, SLK, and Cayman I believe. How will it compare - I don't know - I guess we'll wait and see.

Is it harder edged than the XK family? I think so. Is it an all-out sports car in the mold of a 911 - I don't know.

It is interesting to notice that on the party, most of the attendees for the most part are the 40s and above crowd. I daresay that I think the average demography might be higher actually. One of the more frequent question that I heard during the party - 'does my golf club set fit in the boot?'. I don't know about y'all - but if it were me, I'd forget about golf and I'd try finding country roads weekend after weekend and go ape-**** with this thing.

I think the dealership has the right captive audience as far as their socio-economic profile, but not the right one, as far as relating to the actual purpose of the car - which is a near full-on sports car. Just a personal observation ......

 

great pics! the car looks goegeous

 

Pictures do not do this car justice...saw one at the DC Jag alive and drive event last weekend. Oh the decisions in the next 2-3 years. A problem I will have to drive through to pick the next car.

 

 

Excellent! Very comparable to a 911 with Sport Exhaust or better.