2023 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

Insane horsepower is no longer the defining feature of high-end sports cars, considering that even economy brands are now infusing their models with over 600 horsepower. Premium automakers put more stock in good looks and competent handling. This is where the 2023 Jaguar F-Type R comes in, though it certainly doesn't shy away from high output figures. The supercharged V8 thrums with 567 horsepower and sounds as good as the F-Type looks. It offers a visceral and engaging experience, but it's not quite as sharp as the Porsche 911 Carrera and Chevrolet Corvette. However, it more than makes up for this in refinement and style, and it has an all-wheel drive, something not every rival offers. These are definitely unique highlights that make it an appealing option, but is this enough to draw buyers away from rivals with more power?

There are no significant changes for the new Jaguar F-Type R Coupe and Convertible models.

The price of the 2023 Jaguar F-Type R starts at over six figures, which speaks to its extreme performance potential and the prestige associated with the badge. The coupe will cost you $108,500, while a new Jaguar F-Type R Convertible will set you back a cool $111,200. These are the MSRP figures and do not include the $1,275 destination charge.

Which model you choose comes down to what exactly you want from the sports car. The coupe is the better driver of the two thanks to its more rigid structure, while the convertible has that leisure lifestyle vibe that is so hard to put a price on. Both cars are mechanically similar, though the latter does suffer from a laughably small trunk. So, if you are planning to make this your daily driver, then the coupe makes more sense. But if you have six figures to blow on a car simply for the fun of it, the drop-top makes a compelling case.

As plush as the cabin is, the interior is more like a cockpit, with everything focused on the driver's comfort and convenience. This does mean that space is a bit limited, but the upscale materials can't be faulted. With that cockpit design in mind, the controls for the limited standard features are arranged neatly on the dashboard, and there is a nice combination of physical buttons and touchscreen interaction. Standard features include power-adjustable front seats, deployable front air vents, premium cabin lighting, and single-zone climate control.

As you'd expect from a true sports car, interior space is quite tight, but there is still enough room for two average-sized adults. The sport bucket seats offer a good amount of sport and standard power adjustability makes it relatively easy to find a comfortable driving position. However, taller or larger individuals will struggle to get inside or out due to the low floor and roof. The convertible is a bit easier to manage, so long as the roof is down. Forward visibility is good, but it can be difficult to see out the rear window.

Sports cars aren't meant to be practical, but the F-Type R Coupe's trunk is actually a very decent size at 14.4 cubic feet. The convertible is more of what we expect from a sports car, with a tiny trunk measuring 7.3 cubic feet. Since there is only a single row of seating, you can't even supplement this. In either case, the trunk opening is narrow, and placing larger items inside isn't easy.

There is very little storage space around the cabin, including a glove compartment, a pair of cupholders, and a small center armrest cubby. The door pockets are quite narrow, too.

Jaguar is very skilled at delivering a comfortable and stylish interior, and while the materials used in the F-Type R may not be as premium as what you'd find in some competitors, it's still classy. You get Windsor leather as standard with an Ebony over Ebony color scheme. Other color choices are Ebony with stitching in Light Oyster or Flame Red. If the stitching doesn't offer enough variation, you can go for Tan or Mars Red leather, but these require an extra $2,650 outlay for full extended leather. Ebony/Light Oyster, Ebony/Mars Red, and Ebony/Tan are other extended leather options.

For veneers, you can choose from Delta aluminum, Knurled aluminum, or Linear Vee aluminum, all at no additional cost. A headlining in either suedecloth or leather is available at an extra charge, and there is also an Interior Black Pack that adds gloss black trim to areas like the door seat switch plates and cluster binnacle finishers.

As the most expensive F-Type in the lineup, the R should come equipped with loads of standard luxury and, to some extent, it does. These include single-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, 12-way power seats, ambient lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A 12.3-inch screen displays vehicle vitals while another ten-inch screen operates the infotainment suite, which comprises Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and navigation. This is paired with a ten-speaker Meridian sound system at standard, though a 12-speaker setup is on offer.
Two-zone climate control is one of the options that should be standard, while a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, and garage door opener are also available at an extra charge.

Under the hood of the Jaguar F-Type R rests an animalistic engine. The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 develops 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. With all the vim and vigor, the Jaguar F-Type R can pounce from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph. Throttle responses are quick and satisfying, with a guttural soundtrack from the V8 to accompany them. However, if you don't want to be inundated with noise complaints when pulling out of the driveway, the adjustable exhaust system lets you reduce the volume.

Steering is light and accurate but not as dynamic as what you'd experience in a Porsche 911 Carrera S. It grips well thanks to the AWD system, but mid-corner bumps can knock the Jag off course more easily than you'd expect. Switching to R Dynamic mode really gets it up on its toes and turning on a dime. But, when you aren't pushing the car to its limits, a more comfortable setting is available. Sadly, even in this mode, the F-Type is a little stiff. It's still quite smooth for a sports car, but there are grand tourers out there that offer a lot more comfort.

For a sports car, gas mileage is a secondary concern, and the supercharged V8 in the Jaguar F-Type R is no different. Luckily, the convertible isn't any less efficient than the coupe. Across the city/highway/combined cycles, the F-Type R achieves 16/24/18 mpg. With its 18.5-gallon gas tank, the range works out to 333 miles.

Safety organizations in the USA generally don't crash-test high-end luxury sports cars, so there is no crashworthiness review of the Jaguar F-Type R. Still, you get the safety essentials like ABS, stability control, and six airbags (four in the drop-top). Driver-assistance systems are limited, though, so as not to interfere too heavily with the driving experience. As standard, you get a rearview camera, cruise control, emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, an adaptive speed limiter, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking assist, and a driver monitoring system.
The Blind Spot Assist Pack comes with blind-spot monitoring and a rear traffic monitor. Automatic parking is also available as an option.

European sports cars are not known for their reliability, but the Jaguar F-Type R actually has a pretty good track record. There were no recalls for the 2023 model, but the 2022 model was recalled twice, once for seat belt pretensioners that may not restrain correctly. The second recall involves a seat belt automatic locking retractor malfunction.

Every new 2023 Jaguar F-Type R is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain issues. Roadside assistance and a complimentary maintenance plan are included for the same duration.

If there is one thing Jaguars are known for, it is their stunning good looks, and the F-Type R is one of the most beautiful in the entire range. It's a sleek beast, with slim LED headlights pointing down towards a wide grille in the lower bumper. A pair of fender vents complete the look. The rear sports quad exhaust outlets and LED taillights to match the front. A power-operated trunk lid comes standard, and an electronic roof-retraction mechanism on the convertible. Both models are equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, and the coupe can install a panoramic roof for $1,200.

In terms of pure performance cars, the 2023 F-Type R is not the swiftest or the sharpest around. But to be fair, it doesn't try to be. Sure, it has a load of power, but it's the sound of the supercharged V8 engine that will really excite potential buyers. Similarly, it is the Jag's stunning good looks, classy interior, and balanced character that earn it a spot among more capable coupes like the Porsche 911. It loves to be played with, and even with grippy AWD as standard, most owners probably won't have the guts to push this fierce cat to its limits. The convertible is a little harder to live with, given that it sacrifices more than half its trunk space, and it doesn't offer any additional comforts over the coupe, but few drop tops handle this well or look this good, so most will be willing to let its shortcomings slide. We can't bring ourselves to dislike the Jaguar F-Type R, and besides, perfect is not a state of being but rather a pursuit, and this Jag won't stop stalking its prey.