
The Jaguar F-Type is a car that turns as many heads as it divides opinions. Our buying guide dives deep into what you need to know before buying – the strengths, compromises, reliability concerns and the model that might just be the perfect fit.
Introduction: The Jaguar F-Type
Few cars capture the ethos of a brand quite like the Jaguar F-Type. Launched in 2013, it was heralded as a return to Jaguar’s roots – offering a charismatic driving experience wrapped in a design loaded with sex appeal. Channelling the spirit of the E-Type, it not only had the weight of history on its shoulders but also a fiercely competitive landscape to contend with – one dominated by the evergreen Porsche 911.
True to Jaguar tradition, the F-Type offered a blend of power, performance, and value. Even in its earliest iterations, the flagship F-Type R V8 produced a storming 550bhp – a significant 130bhp over its closest British rival, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, all while undercutting it significantly on price.
Much of the F-Type’s visual drama can be traced back to the CX16 concept car, unveiled in 2011. Designed by Ian Callum and his team, the CX16 caused a sensation, setting the stage for the production F-Type. While the concept’s hybrid powertrain didn’t make it to production, its design language – flowing lines, short overhangs, and strong proportions – ensured the F-Type stood out.
Motoring journalists praised the F-Type for its sculpted looks, raucous soundtrack, and outright performance. Early reviews celebrated its ability to blend sports car dynamics with grand touring credentials, though some critics highlighted compromises in interior space, technology, and overly firm damping. But Jaguar already had the XKR fulfilling the out-and-out GT role.
Over its lifespan, Jaguar expanded the range of engine options and drivetrains. While this broadened the car’s appeal, many argued it diluted the F-Type’s prestige, as it found itself competing simultaneously with both the Porsche 911 and the Boxster. The introduction of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder – aimed squarely at company car buyers – was a particular low point, as it undermined the car’s credibility.
But if there’s a V6 or V8 under the bonnet, the F-Type has serious pull as a long-term ownership proposition, revealing layers to its character that often remain hidden on a short test drive. Whether you’re looking for a weekend toy or engaging daily driver, the F-Type is a worthy companion.

Engine & Performance Evolution
From its debut in 2013 to its final run-out models, the F-Type offered a constantly shifting lineup of engines and power configurations, punctuated by special editions that vary from subtle to extreme. Here’s a timeline to track the evolution.
2013 – Launch Models: V6 and V8 Power
The F-Type debuted in mid-2013 as a roadster with two core engine options: a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, both known for their vocal exhaust notes.
The V6 offered two tiers of performance: the entry level car with 335bhp and a 375bhp S variant. The S hits 60mph in 4.9 seconds and is capable of 171mph. The supercharged V8 in the F-Type S, meanwhile, provided a substantial 488bhp and 461lb-ft (625Nm) of torque. Where the V6 sang, the V8 snarled, with a number of pops and cackles on the overrun, catapulting the car to 60mph in just 4.2 seconds, and onto 186mph. Both engines were paired with an ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive.
Pricing Today: F-Type V6: £22,000–£30,000V6 S: £23,000–£35,000 F-Type S (V8): £28,000–£45,000
2014 – The F-Type Coupe & Track-Focused Project 7
The coupe followed the roadster into production in early-2014, simultaneously introducing us to the V8 F-Type R, packing 540hp and 502lb ft. The 0-60mph dropped to 4.0 seconds.
The unhinged Project 7 roadster also arrived in 2014 as a celebration of Jaguar’s Le Mans heritage, with the seven referring to Coventry's number of victories at Le Sarthe. Powered by a 567bhp and 517lb-ft version of the 5.0-litre V8, it featured unique design cues, including a distinctive 'Aero Haunch' behind the driver in homage to the D-Type, plus a shortened windscreen. The car also made extensive use of carbon fibre body panels, and traded the electric roof mechanism for a manual arrangement to save weight. 250 units were sold worldwide, with the Project 7 costing £135,000 in the UK. The car remains highly collectible today.
Pricing Today: F-Type R: £30,000–£50,000 Project 7: £100,000+
2015 – The Manual Gearbox Option
Jaguar introduced a six-speed manual gearbox option in 2015, available exclusively on the V6 variants. Despite the gearshift receiving favourable reviews, it was short-lived in the UK due to low demand and was discontinued by 2019. However, if curious, it's well-worth seeking one out before you commit to buying.
Pricing Today: F-Type manual: £28,000–£35,000
2016 – The AWD Expansion and SVR Introduction
Jaguar broadened the F-Type’s appeal by adding all-wheel drive as an option for the V6 S and the V8 R models. The AWD system improved traction and stability, particularly in the UK’s inclement weather conditions. This year also saw the debut of the F-Type SVR, which bridged the gap between the F-Type R and Project 7. Powered by the same 567bhp version of the V8 as the Project 7, the SVR featured lighter materials, adaptive aerodynamics, and a top speed of 200mph. Unlike the P7, the SVR was available as both a coupe and convertible, and maintained the regular car’s luxuries.
Pricing Today: V6 S AWD: £30,000–£40,000 SVR: £60,000–£80,000
2017 – Controversial Four-Cylinder and Uprated P400 Sport, Facelift
As part of a minor facelift in 2017, the 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder made its debut, opening up the F-Type to the sub £50,000 market. With 296bhp (300PS – hence the name), it offered respectable performance – covering 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and hitting 155mph – but lacked the charisma of the supercharged engines or indeed new rivals such as the BMW Z4, powered by straight sixes. In the four pots defence, the P300 was the lightest F-type by some margin, weighing-in at 1520kg, and this fleet-footedness benefitted the handling and ride quality, as the lower mass permitted Jaguar to fit softer springs.
In the same year, the P400 Sport was also introduced, a special-edition in production for only 12 months. Powered by an uprated version of the 3.0-litre supercharged V6, the P400 Sport produced 395bhp and featured notable performance upgrades. These included the Super Performance braking system, configurable dynamics, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. Available in both coupé and convertible body styles, with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, the P400 Sport is identified by bespoke badging on the splitter, rear panel, and interior details, and became the most dynamic V6 to drive.
Pricing Today: P300 (2.0-litre): £28,000–£35,000 P400 Sport (V6): £40,000–£50,000
2018 – The Lister LFT-666 ‘Thunder’
While not an official Jaguar offering, the Lister LFT-666 – unofficially known as the ‘Thunder’ – deserves a mention. Based on the (AWD) V8 F-Type R, Lister fitted upgraded dual supercharger pulleys, custom intercoolers, performance air filtration and remapped the ECU, resulting in a Satanic 666bhp. Lister also added unique carbon fibre bodywork, upgraded suspension, and bespoke interiors with Bridge of Weir upholstery. Initially a coupe only limited to 99 units, Lister later introduced the LFT-C, based on the roadster.
Pricing Today: Lister LFT-666: £120,000+
2019 – Streamlined Line-up
In 2019 Jaguar simplified the lineup, discontinuing the SVR, the entry-level V6 plus the manual gearbox variant.
2020 – Facelift and P450 Introduction
The F-Type received a divisive facelift in 2020, with slender headlamps and redesigned bumpers closer aligned to the look of Jaguar’s saloon car offerings, prompting criticism. This refresh also marked the removal of the V6 completely, replaced by the introduction of the P450 – a 444bhp V8, bridging the gap between the P300 four-cylinder and the flagship P575 V8 F-Type R, which now offered SVR power. The in-car technology was also updated.
Pricing Today:P450 (V8): £50,000–£65,000
2023 – The Final Editions
As Jaguar prepared to retire the F-Type, the focus shifted back to its roots, with the P300 quietly removed from showrooms. The Final Editions emphasised the V8 powertrains, particularly the P450 and P575, with a multitude of special editions with trims and commemorative badges marking the car’s farewell.
Pricing Today:P575 Final Edition: £70,000–£90,000
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