Jaguar F-Type R-2015

PREVIEW

With the 2015 F-Type Coupe, Jaguar's unofficial tribute to its most iconic car comes full circle. The British automaker shook off comparisons to the 1960's-era E-Type when it launched the new F-Type roadster, noting that the classic car was offered both as a convertible and coupe. The new hardtop F-Type closes that loop.

While not an obvious tribute, the F-Type borrows inspiration from the E-Type's rounded side panels and circular taillight accents. But the similarities end there. The F-Type is a modern thoroughbred that rivals a Porsche 911's performance, with an emotional range that matches Maserati and luxury that is pure Jaguar.

The two-seat, rear-wheel-drive 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe will be available in three trim levels: base, S Coupe and R Coupe. Base and S Coupe models will be powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, while the R Coupe will use a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles is standard.

The base model V6 makes 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Power rises to 380 hp and 339 lb-ft in the S Coupe. Jaguar says the latter can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, the base model in 5.1 seconds.

The R Coupe, meanwhile, breathes more rarefied air. Its big V8 generates 550 hp for 0-60 acceleration in 4.0 seconds, Jaguar says -- faster than Audi's V8-equipped R8 supercar.

The base F-Type Coupe will feature a sport suspension, driver-adjustable dynamic modes and a sport exhaust with dual tailpipes. Other standard features could include 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system and a 10-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and iPod integration.

The S Coupe adds an adaptive suspension, high-performance brakes and an active exhaust that, depending on engine conditions, opens bypass flaps to emit a lusty growl as visceral as any Italian exotic. Among other features, the top trim R Coupe comes with 20-inch wheels, sport seats and a rear-wheel-drive system that can speed or slow individual wheels for sharper handling.

All F-Type coupes offer a choice of an aluminum or panoramic glass panel roof. A power-assisted tailgate, high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes and premium audio systems are among some of the options.

Starting at $65,895 for the base model and $77,895 for the S Coupe, the 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe occupies its own niche. No one else makes a two-seat coupe with this level of supercar performance for the price. The F-Type's closest rivals are actually four-seat coupes like the Audi RS 5, BMW M4 and Cadillac CTS-V. Stepping up to the R Coupe ($99,895) puts the new Jaguar up against the Mercedes-Benz SL550, although the Benz is a retractable-hardtop roadster, not a true coupe.

The F-Type Coupe is slated to go on sale in the spring of 2014. Check back for a full review, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.