Considering how much I enjoy the V6S version of Jaguar’s F-Type sports car, dropping a supercharged V8 engine in it reminds me of what Carroll Shelby used to say, “Too much is just enough.”  He was right.  But, just to be sure, I took the wheel of this Polaris White 8-cylinder out on the same roads as the black V6S, a few days after taking the other car out for a spin, to get a closer look at the top engine offered in Jaguar’s newest chassis.

The Looks

It’s nearly impossible to determine the V8S from the V6S except from the rear end.  As a result, all of the nice things I said about the F-Type in my previous review of course have to apply again here.  The lines are fantastic, the shape is nice and trim, and the overall look is very tidy.  I didn’t find anything to say that wasn’t complimentary of the V6, so the same is the V8.  The V8S is discernible from the V6S via the exhaust outlets and the rear valence.  The V6S uses a pair of centrally-mounted pipes, while the V8S has quad exhausts, set up as a pair on each side.  I liken the V6S to a throwback of the E-Type’s initial exhaust outlet (which was the same layout), while the V8S is a more modern spin.  I think I prefer the V8S.

The interior is identical, of course, but this one looked a lot better than the V6S thanks to the red finish.  The white exterior with the red leather seats and black trim made the V8S’s interior look sinister and scintillating.  The flat bottom steering wheel with the sports seats in place looks the business and the addition of red trim as part of the inner windscreen surround brightens up the look.  Again, it’s hard to find things to dislike about the F-Type’s looks.

Score: 4.0/4.0

By the Numbers:

The V8S that I got to drive was thankfully working better than the V6S that I’d taken out a few days earlier.  The shut lines looked much better, the paint quality was more even, and despite the preproduction status of the car I took for a spin, everything felt right.  The wheels were identical to those on the V6S and somehow looked even better on the V8.  Parts quality was the same caliber as the V6S, so I wasn’t worried about quality, but everything was definitely holding up better.

The interior was thankfully free of the issues plaguing the V6S.  The floors were fit better and the switchgear all worked perfectly.  Ergonomics in the F-Type roadster are very good, with the power seat controls in easy reach of the driver and all of the dials easily readable even in bright sunlight. The climate control is mounted in the right place and chassis controls are located in a place that’s also easy to understand.  The switchgear itself is all of a high quality and the materials are of a caliber worthy of a 90K+ car.  Thanks to the fact that everything was working as advertised, and the fact that the quality is right on the money, it is again a bit hard for me to complain–except for the visibility over the shoulder, which is a bit dicey.

Score: 4.0/4.0

At the Helm:

Of course, this is what we all want to know: “How much better is the V8S over the V6S?”  Here’s the short answer: It’s quite a bit better.  The fact that the V6S is so much fun to drive makes the sell on the V8S a bit tougher but the driving experience is a compelling factor in spending extra.  That noise out of the 5.0L supercharged V8 (which punches out 495hp) is an utter symphony of dissonant joy.  The increase in power is welcome, turning the F-Type from a balanced, well-heeled sports car into a fire-breathing beast of a thing, with nearly knee-jerk power reserves.  Once the engine hits the meat of the power curve, it doesn’t matter which gear you’re in–there’s always power available.  The V6 is balanced, while the V8 is uncontrolled rage, and I prefer the rage.

Handling isn’t much changed from the V6S.  The extra two cylinders might make the car a little bit more nose-heavy on paper but I failed to find a difference.  The brakes are strong and made sure I stayed out of trouble, despite my right foot’s best efforts.  The chassis is plenty balanced, and while there were times where I felt like I would completely lose control of the rear end if I went a bit further, it never really happened, which might be a testament to the suspension in this thing.  Ride quality is firm, but expected.  The transmission behaves itself well, in automatic mode it has great manners, and when set in manual, it doesn’t try and shift up for you–changes aren’t jarring and the operation of the paddles is very good.

Score: 4.0/4.0

The Bottom Line:

When it comes to price, it’s not as rosy.  The F-Type’s dollars and cents problem is that everything is optional (which is great for customization).  There’s a balance that has to be struck, but many of the nice items on both of the cars I drove were options and drove up the price significantly, though they were worth the extra scratch.  All told, the V8S starts at $92,000 and options on mine drove up the price easily past six figures, to $108,850.  The flat bottom steering wheel, which is included in the Performance Pack, is an extra $2,950, while the red leather finish drives the price up by $1,925.  The performance braking system on my test car, combined wiht the other options and $2,500 20″ wheels, pushed the price astronomically.  While the level of standard equipment is befitting of a car costing $90K, it’s a $100K+ car if you want the tools to get the best out of this roadster.

Somehow, I’m more comfortable with the V8 at this price, than the V6 at a lower price point (that one was closer to 90-100).  I don’t feel as if I’m getting gypped on the V8S’s higher price, because the extra power and prestige feels, for once, worth it.  The V6S and V8S both have the right engines for the F-Type’s buyers, but actually diversify and expand what people can get from the lineup, rather than confuse buyers.  There’s even enough trunk space for a weekend trip in the lineup and with the coupe on the way, that will help matters in terms of cargo capacity.

Score: 4.0/4.0

I feel a lot more comfortable, if I were given the ability to purchase one, going with the V8S over the V6S in the Jaguar F-Type lineup.  They’re both fun to drive, but while some will be put off by the higher price of the V8, it’s a vastly different driving experience and for those who desire it, that will be the tipping point in putting up the extra cash for the bigger engine.  This isn’t as if the supercharged V8 is just more powerful–it has a definitive effect on the way the F-Type roadster responds to driver input in terms of steering and handling, as well as the straight-line performance.  Consider this as well: the V6S, when optioned, is close to or higher than the entry price of the V8S.  Customizing either of them is going to be a costly experience, but if I had to customize, I’d still go with the V8S.  It feels more comfortable at this high a price point than the V6S.

Score: 4.0+4.0+4.0+4.0 = 16.0/16.0

Grade: A

-Albert S. Davis