Lleida is one of the lesser-known towns in
Spain. Sited a few hundred kilometres west of Barcelona, its surrounds boast
some of the finest driving roads I've experienced; the motorways are in
near-perfect condition, as are the arterial roads which are wide and well
sighted with flowing comers. And the best part is that Lleida lies within the
Catalan Central Depression, which means it has myriad mountain passes in every
direction. It is this part of Catalunya that I find myself visiting for the
international media ride-and-drive event of the all-new Jaguar F-Type Coupe.
According to representatives of the British
marque, this is the first all-new sportscar for the brand in 50 years, the
F-Type picking up where the E-Type left off and the styling link between these two
models is undeniable. Designers distilled the essence of the E's classic shape
and used it to create the new design of the F, all the while imbuing it with
more aggression.
Offering
a level of refinement, ride quality and aesthetic charm, the Jaguar F-Type R
Coupe sets a benchmark rivals can’t currently match
Using the same visage as the F-Type
Roadster, it is the profile that is the Coupe's defining feature. That long
bonnet, arcing roofline and cab-backward design all help to create a sublime
shape and, whether viewed from the rear three-quarter or behind, the muscular
haunches are emphasised.
During our time in Spain, we experienced
two of the three models that will comprise the range. The opening salvo is
simply titled F-Type Coupe, with a supercharged V6 motor that produces 250 kW
and 450 N.m ($79,490). Next up is the F-Type S Coupe model with a similar
powerplant in a higher state of tune; a maximum of 280 kW is dished up with 460
N .m of twist action ($92,415). At the very top of the pecking order is the
F-Type R Coupe packing a supercharged VB that cranks out 405 kW and 680 N.m of
torque.
The
interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses
advanced acoustic and electronic technologies
On the open road, the S model displayed
primary ride quality that is more than acceptable, especially considering the
low-profile rubber. With the adaptive driving dynamics mode set to comfort,
occupants were not bothered by the - admittedly few - road imperfections.
After a few miles of effortless motorway
cruising, we made our way to the arterial roads where we could turn up the
pace. With the dynamic mode engaged, the stylish Cat displayed a sense of
alertness, feeling more alive as the variable dampers tightened, the
transmission showed more urgency and the throttle caused revs to flare more
crisply.
Electronic-nanny
switch sits proud of the facia so it can be toggled without looking down
Soon enough, we were off the smooth byways
and onto one of the many mountain passes of the region, heading towards our
midway stop near the town of Alcaniz. The ribbon of tar that squiggles across
the countryside dished up a seemingly never-ending sequence of comers ... not
that I had reason to complain.
