With its timeless good looks, V-8 engine combined with rear- or all-wheel drive, and seating for just two well-heeled individuals in a cozy and well-finished cabin, the Jaguar F-Type convertible is as modern an interpretation of the classic British touring car as you’ll find. It’s also one that isn’t long for this world, as Jaguar intends to end F-Type production after the 2024 model year.
Related: 2024 Jaguar F-Type R75 Convertible Review: Saying Farewell to a Sentimental Favorite
To send the F-Type off in style, the brand has rolled out two special edition models for 2024. Dubbed the F-Type 75 and R 75 in honor of Jaguar’s 75th birthday, these send-off variants get an updated suspension said to provide more connected feel, along with added standard and optional features. The R 75 also gets a notable boost in power.
Cars.com Road Test Editor Brian Normile spent a week getting reacquainted with an F-Type convertible in the R 75 trim and found that the aging roadster still offers plenty of charm — and with a 575-horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 under that long hood, the R 75 packs plenty of punch to back up its classic good looks.
While Normile found plenty to like about the R 75, the F-Type is definitely showing its age. Hit the link above to read his expert review; for a quicker look, below are five things we like about the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R 75 and three things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Modes for Moods
Drivers can choose from several driving modes, altering the F-Type’s performance and response to suit different moods. Normal mode keeps things civilized, providing a comfortable ride and an overall docile feel. Switching to R Mode tightens things up considerably, giving more direct steering feel and a delightfully raucous exhaust note. Additional settings allow you to dial up custom settings for the suspension and drivetrain to further customize performance.
2. Smooth Shifter
The only transmission offered in the F-Type is an eight-speed automatic, but it’s a good one that’s ideally suited to the car. Shifts are quick and positive, with no awkward lags or stumbles. Paddle shifters allow drivers to shift for themselves, although the transmission works so well that there’s no need to use them unless you want to.
3. Cozy Cabin
The cabin combines a traditional British ambiance with more modern styling cues, from its comfortable leather seats and rich-looking materials to the big 10-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Though there’s only seating for two and not a lot of extra space, there’s adequate room for comfortable cruising.
4. Simple Controls
Unlike so many luxury brands, Jaguar has chosen to stick with physical controls for most climate and audio functions. We think that’s a beautiful thing, making adjustments underway far less distracting than in some competitors. The reconfigurable instrument panel and infotainment system are nods to modernity and are straightforward in operation. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are part of the package, too.
5. Relative Bargain
With an as-tested price of $120,000 (including destination), an F-Type R75 like our test car does not come cheap, but it’s something of a bargain compared to alternatives such as the $180,000-plus Mercedes-AMG SL63 or least expensive Porsche 911 convertible with AWD, which costs around $136,000. Add the fact that this is your last chance to have a Jaguar roadster with a conventional powertrain, and the F-Type is worth a long look.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Roughish Rider
The F-Type is firmly but not overly sprung, and it generally rides well overall. But some bumps and even smaller road imperfections can cause reverberations throughout the cabin, particularly on rough urban roads. While this isn’t unexpected in any sports car with a shorter wheelbase, the sometimes choppy ride can take away from the luxury feel.
2. Limited View
A low seating position and deeply raked windshield can make it difficult to see traffic lights at an intersection, which is particularly an issue for taller drivers. The convertible top comes with an integrated wind blocker that does a great job of reducing wind noise and buffeting, but that can interfere with the view to the rear.
3. Infotainment Issues
When the convertible top is down, the 10-inch touchscreen washes out even in indirect sunlight, making it nearly impossible to see and use; more than an inconvenience, this can be a safety issue while driving. The Mercedes-AMG SL uses a screen that can be manually adjusted to minimize this, but it’s not an option with the fixed screen in the Jaguar.
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