The drive…
Even though the F-TYPE has been around a while, it still turns heads six years after the model first hit the road, and this is a testimony to Ian Callum’s exceptional talent of being able to create a design that has longevity. In terms of the ride, it’s one which is relatively firm on the ultra-high-performance 20-inch Pirelli P-Zeros and there was a fair amount of road noise on the arterial routes. However, any sweeping corners and change in gradient, plus the odd undulation in the road did not seem to upset the two-seater.
When your foot goes down on the throttle, the power delivery is seamless thanks to the V6 using a twin vortex supercharger which eliminates any sign of acceleration lag. The 0 to 62 mph sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, which all happens in the blink of an eye.
For those who like their statistics, this model has an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph, which is an exciting prospect if you have the opportunity to go on track (which we didn’t). Otherwise, 70 mph it is. The deployable rear spoiler automatically rises at 60 mph, and will retract if the speed goes below 40 mph. However, there is a button on the centre console if drivers wish to raise the spoiler at speeds below 60 mph or when stationary for the purpose of maintenance.
Fuel consumption is not bad if you don’t have a heavy foot, and if you’re one that simply likes to have the odd play when the road allows. On our 283-mile round-trip from London to the Sandringham Estate in North Norfolk, which took in a plethora of rural country lanes and A-roads, we managed a reasonable 32.4 mpg based on keeping to the legal speed limits.
The R-Dynamic also adds the switchable option to the active twin sports exhaust so that a more race car-type growl can be enjoyed on demand, courtesy of the “extra loud button” on the centre console. It works by reacting to the throttle position, speed and engine revs and opening active valves. This allows the exhaust gases to take a more direct and less restrictive route through the rear silencer. The result is a richer and more exhilarating sound when turning on the ignition and when the needle swings round to 3,000 rpm.
The F-TYPE is no eco-warrior, and with no hybridisation of any sort, CO2 emissions are high at 230g/km, thereby putting it in the second highest road tax bracket.
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