David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/22/23 12:06 p.m.
feature_image

Wanna ride shotgun with the GRM crew?

Welcome to this week’s test vehicle, a 2024 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Convertible: 575 horsepower, all-wheel drive and open-air motoring. It’s like a Shelby GT350, a WRX and a Miata all got together–but the final result looks stunning.

Questions? Comments? Welcome to the thread.

Read the rest of the story

dyintorace
dyintorace GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/22/23 12:31 p.m.

Last year of production - sad to see. Such a beautiful car.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/22/23 12:51 p.m.

It is sad to see–and, you’re right, still stunning.

It arrived late yesterday, so impressions to come soon. 

gearheadE30
gearheadE30 Dork
12/22/23 1:01 p.m.

I don't understand why I don't see more of these on the road. I've seen a grand total of one in person, and and it was a pre-facelift model. I'm a fan for sure. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/22/23 1:27 p.m.
gearheadE30 said:

I don't understand why I don't see more of these on the road. I've seen a grand total of one in person, and and it was a pre-facelift model. I'm a fan for sure. 

Good question as to why you don’t see more. I have driven them before and have been a huge fan. Much closer in execution to a Benz than a Lexus. 

dyintorace
dyintorace GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/22/23 1:51 p.m.
David S. Wallens said:

It is sad to see–and, you’re right, still stunning.

It arrived late yesterday, so impressions to come soon. 

Does it still have Dynamic mode? And once you press that button, does the exhaust still sound like Thor's chariot? 

SV reX
SV reX MegaDork
12/22/23 2:40 p.m.

I was just reading up on these this week after seeing one for the first time in person.  It's a beautiful car. 
 

There are very few cars that catch my attention enough to go look them up. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/22/23 2:47 p.m.

I’ll add that it’s a rare case where the convertible looks as good as the coupe. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/23/23 9:33 a.m.
dyintorace said:
David S. Wallens said:

It is sad to see–and, you’re right, still stunning.

It arrived late yesterday, so impressions to come soon. 

Does it still have Dynamic mode? And once you press that button, does the exhaust still sound like Thor's chariot? 

Gainesville, FL

Back later today with some answers for you. 

dxman92
dxman92 SuperDork
12/23/23 2:04 p.m.

The day Mrs. DX myself and I walked out of the real estate office to sign papers on closing on our house 11 years ago, one of these took out of the parking lot at full blast. The sound of it was something that is ingrained in my head from that day more than anything.

RonnieFnD
RonnieFnD Reader
12/23/23 2:18 p.m.

I'm jealous.   I bleed green I'm such a JLR guy.  They are incredible cars.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/23/23 8:58 p.m.

Put some miles on it today–for photography, of course. 

If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

The end. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
1/2/24 6:03 p.m.

In reply to dyintorace :

Just for you, I pressed the exhaust button on the center console. At idle, a bit more rumble. While cruising, not much louder. Once above 3000 or so rpm, yeah, Thor’s chariot. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
1/2/24 6:08 p.m.

The closest comparison to this one might be the S-class AMG roadster. Both cars even use some similar interior controls–just similar regarding placement, like the seat controls on the door rather than the seat itself. 

The Benz’s controls might feel a tiny tick more substantial, but the Jag feels lighter on its feet. It’s not a Miata, but it doesn’t feel heavy, even with the AWD. 

I’d say it’s a toss up regarding looks as both are stunning. Couldn’t find a bad angle on the Jag. 

Both are also plenty quick with quick, crisp gear shifts. 

Looking for an upmarket roadster? This could be the one. 

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/2/24 6:11 p.m.

If I'm picking the options right, that's $125 away from being a $120,000 car.

https://build.jaguar/69D961D1

Also, 3760 lbs. I'm going to continue with my plan to build my own LS-powered ND Miata :)

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
1/2/24 6:43 p.m.

Yup, that’s about the price. 

ORIF (Forum Supporter)
ORIF (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand New Reader
1/2/24 7:15 p.m.

I rented one through TURO for a weekend a few years back. Truly one of the best sounding cars I've ever driven in my life. That one was a MY2018 or so and the interior was a little dated, but what an engine!

Noddaz
Noddaz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
1/2/24 8:26 p.m.

How is it at the FIRM?

You know you want to find out.

grover
grover GRM+ Memberand Dork
1/2/24 11:34 p.m.

In reply to Noddaz :

For science. 

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