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Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P-450 Convertible 2022 Review

Rob Fraser

F-Type R-Dynamic P450 – There are few cars that are designed purely for hedonistic motoring. The Jaguar F-Type is such a car.       2023 Jaguar F Type P450 Convertible front I’m not really sure you can even call it a car, a work of art may be more appropriate. F-Type R-Dynamic comes in Coupe and Convertible.

It’s simply stunning in design. If you are the shy type don’t buy this because people will look at you everywhere you drive.

Tracing its roots back to the famously sensual E-Type of the 60’s, which was based on the Le Mans winning D Type, the F-Type is a mix of old school classic interior and new world technology.

Yes its powerful with a 5.0L supercharged V8 that will go from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and top out at 285km/h. It rear wheel drive and 8 speed sports AT allow for spirited driving.

Its cramped inside for taller drivers like me and there is almost no boot space.

But on a sunny day, when you lower the convertible roof, go for a drive along the beach front and just listen to that V8 exhaust, there are few more desirable and legal activities you can do in a car.

We may have fast electric sports cars in the future, but true motoring enthusiasts will sadly miss masterpieces like the F-Type R-Dynamic when they are gone

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE F-TYPE RRADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

https://www.anyauto.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BTW-3898-Dec-1.mp3?_=1

Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P-450 Convertible MM Video

More Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic P450 Convertible thoughts

What does the F-Type convertible look like?

Simply beautiful

It’s more like a sculptured masterpiece than a car.

There are cars that people will notice and some that they will stop and comment on.

But the F-Type is one that people will stop and stare at as it glides past them.

It’s almost impossible to do it justice with words. One just has to experience it.

All P450 models feature the R-Dynamic Exterior Body Kit, 20” Alloy Wheels, Metal Treadplates with R-Dynamic branding, Delta Aluminium Console Finisher and Switchable Active Exhaust.

What about inside the F-Type Convertible

First up, again it’s beautiful

Very tight for taller drivers like me. I just fit and with the dodgy right knee, getting in and out was an exercise of acrobatic gymnastics.

Having said that the raised door sill cocoons you and it’s still better than a few other sports cars.

Once inside though it’s a driver’s delight. A mix of old school and new technology.

Our model had white Alcantara leather heated seats.

The relationship between driver and steering wheel is almost perfect.

Everything is within easy reach.

Leather steering wheel is nice and thick and provides excellent feedback

The 12.3 inch driver’s instruments are configurable into multiple screens. My favourite is the traditional, analogue style twin outer dials and central display that shows the trip meter.

Both front seats have electric adjustment controls.

Interior layout

Between the front occupants is a central storage bin, twin cup holders and the transmission controls. Here you can trim the rear wing, turn off the traction control and stop start function as well as tune the exhaust note.

The elegant transmission lever is a push/pull style, not my favourite but this one works well. Next to that is the drive mode select.

The 10 inch central touch screen is a little old now but clear to read with good resolution. Smart phone connectivity is wired unfortunately. Having wires is at odds with the internal aesthetics.

I love the fact that the top air vents rise triumphantly above the stack on start up for the dual zone A/C.

Lowering and raising the roof is a breeze (pun intended) and top down driving is what it’s all about.

The boot area is best described as on the tighter side, with soft, malleable bags suggested for limited luggage. Take the spare wheel out and it improves greatly.

What are the major features of the F-Type?

Highlights:

Options on the test vehicle

F-Type P450 Engine and drivetrain

At the heart of the P450 is the 5.0L supercharged V8 petrol engine.

This provides some 331kW/580Nm and drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ transmission.

The Switchable Active Sports Exhaust system with quad outboard mounted exhaust pipes, enables the driver to ‘tune’ the exhaust sound to their liking. A deep raspy blurt is how best to describe it. There is the option if a quiet start mode, but why?

The P450 powertrain features an electronic active rear differential to optimise traction, and enables 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 285km/h.

Fuel economy is excellent on the freeway and I got around 8.2L/100K on cruise control. Around town its obviously more and really depends on how heavy your right foot is and how much you enjoy the exhaust note. Overall we got 12.5l/100k and I was happy with that.

P450 F-Type R-Dynamic comes equipped as standard with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system with Configurable Dynamics.

Using electronically controlled, continuously variable dampers, Adaptive Dynamics optimises both low-speed comfort and high-speed control.

While Configurable Dynamics enables the driver to tailor the settings for suspension stiffness, steering weight, throttle response and gearshifts.

What is the F-Type R-Dynamic like to drive?

In a word – Hedonistic.

This is pure and simple a driver’s car. It’s engaging, responsive and becomes an extension of your thoughts.

Drop the top on a sunny day and experience the elegance of boulevard cruising.

When the mood takes you, find your favourite piece of winding road and let rip. Either way you will end up with a HUGE smile on your face.

Potter around town and enjoy the audible exhaust, but be prepared for people to stare at you.

The steering is well weighted, by that I mean you can feel it when turning and that’s a good thing. Light at parking speeds it maintains excellent feel at speed.

Acceleration is a smooth, linear feeling. No delayed turbo lag here, just a continuous surge of power that seemingly never runs out, well not at road speeds anyway.

Even with the top down the chassis remains tight, there is little shaking and the suspension soaks most bumps from our notorious potholed roads.

At speed it simply hunkers down, mid corner bumps do little to change its composure.

F-Type safety

Like many supercars there is no ANCAP rating. It has many of the expected safety features, but some are unfortunately on the options list.

A round up of the highlights is:

F-Type R-Dynamic P-450 Convertible final thoughts

The F-Type has a long lineage, dating to the Le Mans winning D-Type, the sexy E-Type of the 60’s and 70’s and now it has been around for some 9 years since 2013.

It has aged well, unlike some of us.

It has a few flaws but they only serve to make it perfect.

As a fellow motoring enthusiast said to me, “this is the car that made me fall in love with motoring all over again”.

It has elegance oozing from every angle. It’s fast and smooth with rear wheel drive. It has an abundance of personality.

The F-Type becomes an extension of the driver.

What more could you ask for.

F-Type R-Dynamic good and not so good

What is good?
  • Stunning design, simply beautiful
  • Performance
  • Hedonistic driving

What is not so good?
  • Really tight for taller drivers
  • Virtually no boot space, better without a spare
  • Possibility of being replaced by an EV version

Also Look At

The true sports convertible segment is small, really small.

The closest comparison would be the Lexus LC 500C. We have another one booked to drive in January.

Perhaps you could also look at BMW Z4 Convertible, Ford Mustang, C8 Corvette, Audi RS5 Coupe, Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, Maserati MC20, Audi R8 and Lotus Emira

Some other Jaguar F-Type articles

Jaguar F-Type 

Model

R-Dynamic P-450 Convertible
Model Price $171,148 MLP* PAT $184,828 MLP*
Engine 5.0L V8 Supercharged Petrol
Drivetrain 8 Sp Sports AT RWD
Power 331kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque 580Nm @ 2,500 – 5,000rpm
Safety N/A
0-100kmh / Top Speed 4.6 Secs / 285 km/h
CO2 Emissions 248 g/km Euro 5
Economy ADR 10.6L/100km / 70L capacity
Economy on test 12.5L/100k
Servicing 5Yr / 130,000km free service plan
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km
Road side Assist 5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Overall Rating    

89/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 8
Performance 10
Ride and Handling 10
Practicality 7
Fit for Purpose 10
Styling / Design 10
Technology/connectivity 8
Value for Money 8

Dimensions

  
Overall Length 4470mm
Wheelbase 2622mm
Width 1923mm
Height 1313mm
Wheels 20×9.0 front / 20×10.5 Alloy
Tyres 255/35 R20 front / 295/30 R20 rear
Max ground clearance Up to 108mm
Turning Circle KTK 12.7m
Boot Capacity Min N/A
Boot capacity Max 233L
Kerb Weight 1661kg
Payload (kg) 389kg
GVM (kg) 2050kg

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