Test Drive: 2017 Jaguar F-Type S Convertible

In a world where speed and performance is measured in milliseconds, it is nice to drive a “slower” version of the exotic Jaguar F-Type. As the exotic car market moves farther away from its manual transmission roots, every now and then it’s fun to mix it up old school style with a quick flip of your right hand on the gear lever and a deft in and out motion on the seemingly out-of-fashion clutch pedal.

The 2017 Jaguar F-Type S is available in a close ratio six-speed manual transmission. Combine that with the opportunity to drop the top in this rear-wheel-drive convertible and you have the perfect recipe for a first class driving experience. All-wheel-drive is available, but you’ll have to live with an automatic transmission.

Power comes in the form of a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine. It delivers 380 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque between 3,500 and 5,000 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h takes 5.5 seconds and top speed is measured at 275 km/h. Compare this to the eight-speed QuickShift automatic: it does the zero-to-100 km/h run in 4.9 seconds; a full six-tenths slower, but the magic of shifting a manual transmission is a sensation not to be missed.

Exterior dimension are slender and statuesque. This is the perfect car for a Sunday afternoon cruise through Niagara’s winding backroads. Sport seats provide premium levels of support and adjustment. Dropping the canvas top takes mere seconds and the rear wind deflector does an excellent job of restricting wind noise, even when driving under the stars at twice the speed limit.

The F-Type has been a hit from the moment it landed in 2013. Three supercharged engines are available in 2017, from the base V6 with 340 horsepower to the mighty 550-horsepower V8. In between resides the aforementioned F-Type S. Which one suits you best is a matter of personal taste, but my money is on the F-Type S. It is sporty enough to be dangerous, but mild-mannered when necessary allowing the neighbours to sleep as I escape suburbia for an early morning country drive.

2017 Jaguar F-Type S Convertible
Base price: $92,500.00
Price as tested (before taxes): $111,125.00
Freight: $1,375.00
Configuration: front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.0L 6-cylinder/ 6-speed manual
Power/torque: 380 hp/ 339 lb-ft
Fuel (capacity): regular (70L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): city: 15.3, hwy: 10.0 L/100 Km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.3 L/100 km (750 km)
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: BMW M6 Cabriolet, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz SL

Related links:

Jaguar Canada