The Jaguar F-Type Coupe, specifically the R variant with the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower, represents the pinnacle of performance within the first-generation (X152) F-Type lineup following its 2017 facelift. Introduced for the 2017 and 2018 model years, this variant aimed to deliver uncompromising performance and a luxurious grand touring experience. It sat at the top of the F-Type Coupe range, above the base 2.0L Inline-4 and the 3.0L V6 models, offering a significant step up in power and refinement. The facelift brought subtle styling revisions, enhanced interior technology, and improvements to the engine’s responsiveness.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Jaguar |
| Model | F-Type |
| Generation | F-Type Coupe (facelift 2017) |
| Type (Engine) | R 5.0 V8 (550 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 255 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.0 sec |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h (186.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3 kg/Hp, 333.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.4 kg/Nm, 412.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 550 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 110 Hp/l |
| Torque | 680 Nm @ 3500 rpm (501.54 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 508PS |
| Engine displacement | 5000 cm3 (305.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.5 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.25 l (7.66 US qt | 6.38 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9.2 l (9.72 US qt | 8.09 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 315 l (11.12 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 407 l (14.37 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4470 mm (175.98 in.) |
| Width | 1923 mm (75.71 in.) |
| Height | 1314 mm (51.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2622 mm (103.23 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
INTRODUCTION
The 2017-2018 Jaguar F-Type Coupe R 5.0 V8 Automatic is a high-performance luxury sports car built upon Jaguar’s aluminum-intensive architecture. It represents a significant evolution of the original F-Type introduced in 2013, benefiting from the mid-cycle facelift that refined both its aesthetics and dynamics. Positioned as the flagship coupe model, the ‘R’ designation signifies the most potent engine option available, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a blend of blistering acceleration and relative ease of use. The F-Type aimed to recapture the spirit of the iconic Jaguar E-Type, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Porsche 911.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the F-Type R lies Jaguar’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, internally designated as the 508PS unit. This engine utilizes a Roots-type supercharger, providing instant throttle response and a broad torque curve. Direct fuel injection ensures precise fuel delivery, maximizing efficiency and power output. The engine boasts a 9.5:1 compression ratio and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a crucial component of the powertrain. It features a torque converter and quick, seamless shifts, optimized for both performance and comfort. The transmission’s programming is tailored to the ‘R’ model, offering more aggressive shift points and the ability to manually select gears via paddle shifters.
Driving Characteristics
The F-Type R delivers a truly exhilarating driving experience. The supercharged V8 provides immense power and torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of around 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. The automatic transmission contributes to this performance with rapid gear changes, although some purists preferred the engagement of the six-speed manual option available on lower trims. The rear-wheel-drive configuration and sophisticated electronic stability control system provide excellent traction and handling. Compared to the V6 models, the R offers a significantly more visceral experience, with a louder exhaust note and a more aggressive power delivery. The suspension, tuned for performance, provides a firm but controlled ride, balancing comfort and handling prowess.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The F-Type R came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included leather upholstery, heated and cooled performance seats, a premium sound system, and a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Standard exterior features included a rear spoiler, quad exhaust outlets, and unique alloy wheel designs. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather trim, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The interior design focused on a driver-centric layout, with a sporty steering wheel and aluminum paddle shifters.
Chassis & Braking
The F-Type’s chassis is constructed primarily from aluminum, contributing to its relatively low weight. The suspension utilizes double wishbones at both the front and rear, providing precise wheel control and excellent handling characteristics. The R model featured stiffer springs and dampers compared to the base models, further enhancing its performance capabilities. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The braking system is augmented by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic brake-force distribution.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Jaguar F-Type R was widely praised by automotive critics for its stunning design, exhilarating performance, and luxurious interior. It was often compared favorably to the Porsche 911, offering a more dramatic and emotionally engaging driving experience. However, some critics noted that the F-Type’s ride quality could be firm on rough roads, and its fuel economy was relatively poor compared to some rivals. Compared to the F-Type V6 models, the R offered a substantial performance upgrade but came at a higher price point. The 1.8L automatic trims were positioned as entry-level options, prioritizing affordability and fuel efficiency over outright performance.
Legacy
The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine in the F-Type R has proven to be a robust and reliable powerplant, although regular maintenance is crucial. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is also known for its durability. On the used car market, the F-Type R remains a desirable and sought-after model, commanding a premium price compared to the lower-trim variants. Its combination of performance, style, and luxury ensures its continued appeal to enthusiasts seeking a thrilling and rewarding driving experience. While newer iterations of the F-Type have emerged, the original R variant holds a special place as the benchmark for performance within the first-generation model.
