I don't know that I'd go that far but I do appreciate the comment. You're absolutely right that if you *need* a "sport car" this isn't it but damn is it close - and for most it's close enough that you'd probably think I'm crazy. In my mind there is no question that my connection to the car is less than it was in my RS4. But Ferrari has no manual you say - and you're right but I'd argue that a Ferrari is built to run the fastest lap possible using all available technology - and as we all know flappy paddles are faster, period. So with something like that where you want ultimate overall performance paddles are the way to go. They are also perfect in the XFR as you can easily cruise in auto mode all day then SNAP and you're able to at least control what gear you're in (very pleased that it'll bounce of the rev limiter instead of just upshifting for you). Paddles are faster but they are NOT as much fun. They are NOT as connecting to the car. So yes, I miss my manual.

Of course every time I miss the manual I either put my foot in it and grin, let myself bask in the white/blue glow of the interior, crank up the amazing audio system, turn on the AC seats, etc. - and guess what? If they offered this car in a manual they'd probably only sell 7 of them. After mine there would be 6 left.

 

I second everything Lotus says about the XF. We just have a 3.0SC and I drove it all day on December 24th from Raleigh, NC to Melobourne, Florida in rain all day. I am a motorcylcle guy, I ride a GSXR 750 at track days, mostly at VIR with over 14,000 miles around VIR. The XF is not a sports car but it is comfortable, fast, handles great in the dry or wet and has excellent brakes. No machine is perfect but I am sure glad I had it on I95 on the 24th with some of the most absolutely stupid driving I have ever seen and I have driven cars and rode bikes in Germany so I have seen good driving and that wasn't it.

 

What stands out to me about this car that makes it a good daily for a "sports car" person is the fact that it has such a well balanced chassis and very neutral/predictable handling. I can literally drive this thing, having the *** end out burning tires, with one hand while I am drinking my coffee.

 

I think you're exactly right - the great thing about the car is the power/performance is very accessible. You don't need to be a rock start driver to get a lot out of it. You're also right that the chassis is supremely balanced and that it's extremely easy to get it sideways. I've only fully defeated traction control a few times but each time it'll slide like a hairy chested drift monkey. Just a little throttle and it'll hold a slide all --- day --- long.

But alas I still miss my manual. I am glad, very glad I chose the Jag over say the M5 because while it would have the manual it wouldn't have the character that is the Jag. Sure it's faster, sure it's (slightly) better balanced but at the end of the day for me the Jag is the whole package. And while I'd love it in a manual they'd sell what, 7 of them and the rest would be autos? Also given the design of the center stack it's just not built to put a stick there is it? That said.

I miss my manual.

 

I totally get what you are saying. As a Silicon Valley hi-tech, I feel the same way. See my recent thread on 1st passenger.

 

At Sonoma, I did track the Audi S4/5/TT A8(passenger only) and was not that impressed with the Torque on the track. Drivering them was of course cool. But I alwasy have a fear of breaking the cars when I drive them - LOL

I was carrying too much speed in the turns, on one session, the instructor said break harder ........ I did and I then after a lap I had warped the discs - LOL.
There could prove to be an expensive experience to get back to the art of driving if I use my own car

 

This is so true the car is in "control" at any speed or condition. My wife would not drive it as she thought it was too complicated. I forced here to drive it and she said ooh that is so easy - alas she is still intimated by the power - English Rose.