However, they did approach the drop-top Jag from a more practical perspective, and even here, it was found to meet the criteria.
As we’ve already heard, the F-Type in roadster form (we'll see if Jaguar has improved the coupe in this department) is not the best handler in its niche, being outclassed around the bends by the Porsche Cayman S and Boxster S, but it’s still pegged as being engaging to drive and very controllably tail-happy – it’s handling limits are easily approachable.
In fact, reviewer Tom Mutchler even calls it “a British Corvette,” though he goes on to say that he does not mean it in any kind of pejorative way - it's actually a compliment...
Speaking of the aforementioned practical aspects, CR praises the two-door’s seats, liberal use of stitched leather and the quick-operating electric soft top that stows away in 12 seconds.
Not that you needed more incentive to conjure up additional mental pictures of yourself holding its thick-rimmed wheel, but the full video drive lies (with a bonus track from Jay Leno's Garage) after the virtual jump, below.
By Andrei Nedelea
The warmly received new F-Type Coupe goes on sale in the States next year in three flavors topped by a unique to this body style "R" version boasting a muscular supercharged V8 with 542hp (550PS), which should be enough get the adrenaline flowing. The coupe is priced $4,000 lower than the roadster with a starting MSRP of $65,000.
If Jaguar finally decides to give the C-X17 the green light, the luxury crossover will go against another LA Auto Show premiere, the production Porsche Macan. Jaguar has built the SUV on the same platform that will form the base for its BMW 3-Series rival coming out in 2015.
Set for a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, Jaguar's new coupe model will go on sale in spring 2014, offering buyers a choice of three powertrains, including a range-topping "R" model, with prices starting from $65,000, excluding an $895 destination and handling fee, or $4,000 less than the roadster.
The base version utilizes a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 pushing out 335HP (340PS) for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint in a competitive 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 161mph (259km/h).
For $77,000 (sans D&H), you can step in the "S" model that draws power from a tweaked version of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 putting out 375HP (380PS). This version reaches 60mph (96km/h) in 4.8 seconds and tops out at 171mph (275km/h).
Whereas the top Roadster model gets a 488HP (495PS) supercharged V8, the Coupe gains a high-performance "R" variant priced from $99,000 and equipped with the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine found in the XKR-S and XKR-S GT that's rated at 542hp (550PS). It can go from zero to 60mph in just 4.0 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (299km/h).
All three engines are paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with full manual sequential control that drives the rear wheels.
A couple of other things that caught our attention from Jaguar's press release include the availability of either aluminum or panoramic glass roof panels that are bonded into the main roof structure, with torsional rigidity remaining identical regardless of which roof is fitted to the car, and an optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system with 398/380mm (15.7/15-inch) discs front/rear that will be available after introduction.
Jaguar also noted that the two-seater model offers "trunk space - easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs - with an available power assisted tailgate".
Note: On-the-road (OTR) prices in the UK start at £51,235 for the base Coupe, rising to £60,235 for the "S" model, and £85,000 for the 542bhp "R" variant
