Hello, As my user name suggests I once owned a XKR, now a F-Type. I am leaning towards the XE as my DD. I want the R styling because it’s the closest I’ll get to the project 8 honestly.

so many choices in engines. What’s the best for the buck and reliably. Please any insight would be appreciated

 

Assuming you don't want the diesel, there are three petrol engines. The 2 litre "Ecoboost" Ford engine was used until the 2 litre Ingenium petrol engine replaced it in 2018. The larger 3 litre V6 as per the F-Type, was available from start of production up to 2019, but is no longer supplied. There is also the hugely expensive and rare (300 built) SV Project car with a V8. I would have bought a petrol if I could find one, but they are very rare here in the UK as most people have bought the diesels due to government stupidity on emissions regulations.

 

I'd go for an R Sport or S with v6 Supercharged. All the option packs work really well except the Adaptive Dynamics; was a waste of money. Has little customization.

 

2018 XE-S would get you the V6 and body kit you're looking for. You can swap the crank pulley and tune the car to ~450bhp/~430tq. As close as you can get, as you say, to the Project 8. AWD no necessary even if you tune, depending on location.

If you like the digital cluster it is available 2018+. For futureproofing, I'd make sure you get the In Control Touch Pro so you have the nice big screen with Car Play/Android Auto.

If you don't care for the digital cluster, a 2017 R-Sport will suffice. Though I believe the 2018 S did have minor improvements in interior.

Happy shopping!

 

We had the 25T R sport and now the p300 R Dynamic. Also I had an XKR and since the F Type, so we are kind of twinsies.

The p300 R Dynamic HSE (2020 model) is a lot of car for the money. All complaints with the exterior have been resolved, the interior is gorgeous, the tech is top rate (you even use some of it). The transmission is tuned perfectly to the twin turbo 4 potter delivering linear acceleration - quite brisk at 0 - 60mph in about 5.7 seconds and continuing on quite strongly. It looks the most like a Project 8. I love it and drive it wherever I can. It reminds me a lot of the classy sports saloon you got with the first generation XFs (I had 2 of those as well). Ours has adaptive suspension, if I had a complaint it would be that the ride is so good it feels too smooth. Ours is on 19's and a review suggested that 20's on adaptive suspension isnt a good mix but 20's on standard suspension is.

The 380hp 6 XE S in the 2018/9 model year would be the pick of the crop for performance, and is tunable as suggested above. My F Type with that engine now delivers 450hp and is wickedly quick. I suppose you could get the 340hp 6 and tune it to the same. I'd expect (havent tested) that the F Type would be achieving something around 4.2 seconds for the 0 - 100kph sprint, at 450hp, **** dyno only. It is chalk and cheese to the stock 380hp but a half a second is a lot under 5 seconds. The 6 cylinder XE's feel a little heavier at the front end than the 4 potters, in the RWD versions at least. Driven hard on the track however they are still beautifully balanced. The interior however is not amazing, you would feel like you are stepping backward from the F Type or XKR.

Personally I am not ready to give up the F Type yet. I am shallow enough to get a buzz out of the attention that it gets and that hasnt gotten tired and is unlikely to any time soon. If I did, however, I would get into a 2020MY XE, not the earlier one. The performance is good but the car itself is just so much better finished inside and out than it had been, especially inside. Put it this way - we had the 2015 model XE, if I said to my wife I wanted to take her car it was no issue (as much as she liked it). Now if I want to take her car there is a noticeable reluctance to part with the keys.

 

Thanks for all the replies, stay safe !

Bruce, you Sir are a Connoisseur! I always wanted a XF-R 5.0. Love those years of styling. The XK-R was and is a beautiful car, just to soft of a ride for me...coming from Corvettes, and Caddy CTS-Vs.Then the F-Type came into my life and just as you, the exclusiveness and gawkers never gets old. As soon as I can get to a dealer to put “AIS” I’ll test drive both the 2020 and V6 2019 and hopefully be a happy camper.

 

Thank you! But to be honest, I think the best XKR in that shape was the 4.2 SC because it didnt have the "cheek pouches" and the engine sounded much better - great throbby noise with some whine which became more raspy in the 5.0 and no whine. That said, no complaints it was a beautiful car. If you like a firmer ride I think the 2020 XE on adaptive suspension will be a little soft for you. I would try to test drive one without adaptive suspension, and on 20's. The handling gets better the harder you push it so look for some twisty roads.

 

Built one, “Look honey it’s only 56k” as I show the Domestic Financial Consultant... Lol

sexy car!

 

I have a 35t AWD with VAP's crank pulley and tune. On stock Pirelli P7's and a regular unprepped road I have a dragy verified 0-60 of 4.1 sec. You'd be surprised how quick and fast the 3.0 SC can be. I haven't tested quarter mile yet but I've claims of very low 12's. You could also opt for an XF-S for a nicer quality interior. Would definitely be cheaper than a new 2020 XE.

This is my only car so I need a dual-purpose vehicle; daily driver with grunt. In your case, since you have the F-Type the new XE interior and tech would be nice. Personally, however, I didn't enjoy the 2.0L turbo. Though I haven't tried it in p300 tune.

 

Cheers CSL, I havent had mine (same engine/tune/pulley, michelin rubber) timed but on a very, very rare little squirt recently a c63 AMG S came off decidedly second best which surprised me a little.

The 2.0 turbo is massively different in p300 guise. I thought our 25T (ecoboost) was a bit surgey on acceleration and it never seemed to be in the right gear when cruising, then if the lights were changing kickdown was a production. The p300 has a twin turbo setup, it is chalk and cheese. It drives very similarly to the 340hp 6. I would have thought it was quicker than the 340hp 6 especially over 100kph but looking at the stats it is marginally slower. But they are all lovely cars, you cant go wrong with any of them.