Jaguar is keen for us to see the F-type as a spiritual successor to the E-type, and the ingredients are certainly there.
Launched in 2013, it has various nods to the ’60s icon in its styling, notably the ‘mouth’ and distinctive tail-lights – plus the fact that (to our eyes) it looks better as a coupé than a roadster. And, like the E, it offers the performance of far more exotic rivals for a realistic price.
We have to start with that performance. In SVR form there’s 567bhp on offer from Jaguar Land Rover’s ubiquitous supercharged 5-litre V8, which means slingshot pace in any gear, despite it weighing a hefty 1705kg.
It smashes through the 60mph barrier in just 3.5 secs, and tops out at a supercar-baiting 200mph, all the while accompanied by what sounds like a couple of warbirds dogfighting behind, overlaid with an addictive supercharger whine.
The redline begins at 6600rpm, yet on public roads things are getting pretty scary – and illegal – by 4500, even in third. A standard F-type is a noisy, hard and rapid machine; the SVR is noisier, harder and a whole lot more bonkers.
There are nods to the E-type in the F-type’s styling
