Jaguar F-Type 2024: Some goodbyes are harder than others
Every year, some models leave the market. It’s the nature of the automotive world. In many cases, we see these models go without much thought. Often, the model reaching the end of its cycle is no longer relevant, or it is simply replaced by another model that is more current. The departure of the Dodge Nitro after 2012 did not make anyone cry, nor did the removal of the Hyundai Equus from the lineup at the end of 2016.
However, with some models, farewells are harder to swallow. This is the case for the upcoming goodbye to the Jaguar F-Type at the end of this year.
Why say goodbye? And why sacrifice the model? It’s simple; Jaguar has been announcing for several years now that by 2025, it will be all-electric. There was no longer room for the sports car powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Its journey will have lasted just over 10 years. It was introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model. Over the years, we have seen a variety of versions, sometimes with a 6-cylinder engine, sometimes with a V8, and always with the choice of a coupe or convertible body style.
Apart from these characteristics, what made the F-Type stand out to everyone were its spectacular lines. While Jaguar has always struggled to offer reliable models, the British company has the secret to offering us cars with incredible designs.
And this is not just recent. If we go back in time to think about the sedans of the 80s, the beautiful XJS coupe (produced from 1975 to 1996), the incredible XJ from the 70s, not to mention the amazing creation that was the E-Type, sold from 1961 to 1974 and often identified as the most beautiful car in history. Even in the 50s, the company had a unique touch. And let’s not forget the legendary XK120, launched in 1948. The departing F-Type is a worthy successor to this legacy.
A collector’s item? The question to ask about the F-Type is whether it truly represents a future collector’s item. Its less than stellar reliability rating certainly does not work in its favor. However, remember that time heals all wounds. Today, many highly sought-after collectible cars were not popular during their initial sales period.
The same fate awaits the F-Type. Because it is disappearing, and moreover, because gasoline models are being phased out, the F-Type will become a highly sought-after piece in time.
For those looking to enjoy a model, I tend to recommend the used market to save a few thousand dollars. If, on the other hand, you want an F-Type as a collectible item for a potential investment, then a 2024 edition is the way to go.
On the menu
For its final lap, the Jaguar F-Type comes in four versions: 75 coupé, 75 convertible, R75 coupé, R75 convertible. Looking at the nomenclature a bit closer, you will see that we are referring to the P450 and P575 models. The first ones designate the 75 versions, with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine a bit less powerful at 444 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. With the P575 variants (R75), the performance of the same engine increases to 575 horsepower (thematically) and 516 pound-feet of torque. This allows for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds, rather than 4.6 seconds with the “base” engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, regardless of the variant.
Needless to say, any acceleration in the P575 is literally exhilarating. Moreover, the sound that reaches our ears makes the hair stand on end, causing a general thrill. And that’s the main reason we will miss the F-Type, why it’s hard to bid farewell. This car offers remarkable performance, exquisite design for the eyes, and gives us very beautiful emotions. Experiencing emotions behind the wheel of modern vehicles is increasingly rare. Certainly, the products offered to us today are of better quality than before but sometimes, everything is too perfect. The F-Type is not, but we don’t care.
Farewell, F-Type.
The text “Jaguar F-Type 2024: certains au revoir sont plus difficiles que d’autres” comes from L’Annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.
