The F-TYPE R Coupé represents the pinnacle of the F-TYPE range. Powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 all-aluminium engine in 550PS and 680Nm form, the F-TYPE R Coupé achieves headline figures of 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph, 50-75mph taking a mere 2.4 seconds.

“The F-TYPE R Coupé represents the pinnacle of Jaguar’s R Performance range – its power, performance and immediacy of response will reward the most enthusiastic of drivers while, most importantly, we’ve engineered the chassis to provide exploitable handling that inspires confidence. It’s precise, and it’s fast…a true driver’s car.”

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar

The R Coupé’s supercharged engine delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are constructed from high-grade, bespoke aluminium, between them sitting the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air, thereby optimising power and efficiency.

The torsional rigidity of the F-TYPE R Coupé’s aluminium structure has ensured the best possible basis for offering the connected feel, agility and engaging driving experience expected of a Jaguar sports car. Every response, from the steering to the gearchange, throttle, brakes and the all-round double wishbone suspension, has been finely honed to be accurate, involving and immediate.

The F-TYPE R Coupé is fitted with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics system that actively controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates. The system continuously monitors driver inputs and the attitude of the car on the road, adjusting damper rates accordingly up to 500 times a second to optimise stability. For the F-TYPE R, the Adaptive Dynamics controlling software has a bespoke tune, working in tandem with revised spring rates all-round to deliver consistent, progressive and exploitable handling. Spring rates are increased by 4.3% at the front and 3.7% at the rear (compared to F-TYPE V8 S Convertible).

Engaging Dynamic mode delivers an even more focused driving experience thanks to enhanced body control through firmer damping rates, increased steering weighting, faster gear changes and sharper throttle response. In the F-TYPE R Coupé, Dynamic mode is configurable as standard via the central 8in touchscreen, allowing the driver to select and save settings according to their preference.

In addition to the fundamental suspension tune changes, the F-TYPE R Coupé features a new second-generation Electronic Active Differential which, for the first time on a Jaguar, works in conjunction with Torque Vectoring by braking. Together, the two systems ensure agility at all speeds and exploitable on-the-limit handling.

The F-TYPE R Coupé’s Electronic Active Differential (EAD) builds on the progressive handling advantages of a mechanical limited-slip differential by intelligently controlling the amount of driveline torque fed to each wheel. The EAD utilises an electric motor which operates a multiplate clutch; by rapidly and continuously analysing a range of electronic inputs it is able to immediately vary torque transfer to each driven wheel to maximise traction in any condition.

The EAD system fitted to the F-TYPE R Coupé features a highly sophisticated second-generation controller. It continuously estimates surface friction, comparing that to the driver’s torque demand and delivering accurate locking toque as a result. A new handling controller also means the EAD has the ability to match the car’s response more accurately with the driver’s inputs during both on-power understeer or off-power oversteer conditions. Working in parallel with the Torque Vectoring by braking system, the controller is capable of reacting to the ECU’s torque request – ranging from open to full locking torque – in under 200 milliseconds.

Torque Vectoring by braking – a standard feature on F-TYPE R Coupé – applies finely metered braking torque individually to the inner wheels as necessary, helping to turn the car into corners more precisely. Using the F-TYPE R Coupé’s array of electronic sensors, the Torque Vectoring system determines when corner entry speed may induce understeer. It then calculates the level of brake force needed to correct the car’s direction and, via the ABS system, applies that precise braking force to individual inner wheels as necessary. Torque Vectoring by braking works at a subtle level, both correctively and predictively, finely adjusting the trajectory of the F-TYPE R Coupé for optimal handling.

The F-TYPE R’s EAD and Torque Vectoring by braking systems – which work together with the car’s Dynamic Stability Control system – complement each other to optimise traction, cornering ability and, most importantly, to maximise steering feel and agility. Torque Vectoring by braking works to fine-tune trajectory around a corner, and as the car is pushed further to its limits, there is a natural, seamless transition to EAD.

As a result, the use of available grip is always optimised, enabling the F-TYPE R Coupé to carry more speed both into, through and out of corners, while delivering precision handling during high-speed manoeuvres.

The F-TYPE R Coupé uses Jaguar’s Super Performance braking system as standard. This system features 380mm front and 376mm rear discs – with red or black painted calipers. Brake cooling is optimised via under-body channelling of air, the air-flow being derived through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis.

The R Coupé is also available with optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes which offer consistent performance and excellent fade resistance even during extreme performance driving conditions, while retaining the precise pedal feel of the standard system and an extended disc life in everyday driving use.

The F-TYPE’s eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ transmission has been recalibrated to make the best use of the F-TYPE R Coupé’s 550PS engine. Its eight, closely-stacked, sporting ratios help to fully exploit the engine’s rev range and ensure that it remains within its optimal power band with every gearchange. Manual control is available to the driver at any time, using either the steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central SportShift selector.

The F-TYPE R Coupé’s switchable Active Sports Exhaust system – with its signature quad, outboard-mounted tailpipes – takes the aural excitement delivered by the 550PS engine to new levels. It offers an authentic, rich sound, developing to a howling crescendo as the upper limits of the rev range are reached. The system uses electronically controlled bypass valves in the rear section of the exhaust which are mapped to open according to a range of parameters, effectively altering the exhaust gas routing into a free-flowing straight-through arrangement to both reduce back pressure and enhance sound quality. Selecting Dynamic mode also opens the bypass valves, an optional override button enabling further driver control of the system.

The F-TYPE R Coupé’s aerodynamic bodywork – gloss black front vanes beneath the shark gills and flat side sill extensions – aid its stability at the very high speeds of which it is capable. As standard the R Coupé’s window finishes are highlighted in bright anodised aluminium along the frames of the side glass, with the grille surround and side air vents in bright chrome, while the optional Black Pack adds gloss black window finishers, gloss black side power air vents and a gloss black grille surround. The front splitter, side power vents, door mirrors casings, bonnet power vents and engine cover are also available in carbon fibre.

20in ‘Gyrodyne’ wheels in silver finish are standard on the F-TYPE R Coupé, while a dark grey and diamond-turned version is optional. As on any F-TYPE specified with 20in wheels, the F-TYPE R Coupé is available with optional ultra-high performance tyres which, with a unique tread pattern, offer additional steering precision, and increased levels of grip for the enthusiast driver.

Interior

Like all models in the F-TYPE range, the R Coupé’s driver-focused cabin clearly conveys the car’s pedigree and sporting prowess, through a combination of taut, technical styling, involving interfaces and premium materials and textures.

The F-TYPE R Coupé’s Performance seats have inflatable side-bolstering and prominent wings for support during high-speed cornering. The seats are finished in premium leather, with the ‘R’ logo embossed on the headrest. A pure ‘Jet’ interior colourway is offered with three options of contrast stitching – Ivory, Red or Firesand – on the instrument panels, door casings, grab-handle highlight and cubby box. There are a further three sporting options on the Jet seats – Ivory, Camel or Red duo-tones, each with similarly-matched contrast stitching.

The F-TYPE R Coupé’s premium trim also includes leather on the instrument panel and binnacle, armrests, door inserts and the centre console. Leather or Suedecloth headlinings are optional. The driver-focused cockpit conveys its sporting intentions with a small-diameter, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in Jet leather with the R logo. A round wheel is a no-cost option.

A new, full leather and Suedecloth Jet interior (with Cirrus contrast stitch) is also optional on all derivatives. Suedecloth is used on the seat facings, door casings, instrument binnacle pods and headlining – and can also be combined with a Suedecloth steering wheel.