What Happened To The Jaguar F-Type Being AFFORDABLE?

If you've been keeping tabs on the all-new Jaguar F-Type, by now you'd know that it is one of the hottest cars on the market. Sales are exceeding expectations and it's arguably one of the best exterior designs on the market.

It's classy while being aggressive and not over the top. It's properly done through and through.

But one thing's been missed — at least in my book. Originally this vehicle was pegged as being affordable. YET, we see the base price for the six-cylinder, which sounds unbelievably good, is $69,000.

Keep in mind this is supposed to square up against the likes of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. The Porsche's base vehicles start at $50.4k and $52.6K, respectively.

This means that the F-Type has essentially pivoted into the 911 range. And given how it reads on paper, that seems to be a better fit.

The whole reason I am writing this is because I stepped into a Manhattan Jaguar dealer recently and I saw the all-new F-Type placed next to an XK-RS drop top. Having driven the XK-RS and been completely let down, I am confident I'd rather opt for the F. But I was a bit alarmed to see its six-figure price tag.

Upon some deeper thinking it actually is quite a package. Nearly 500 horsepower and what is likely an exhilarating driving experience with a $92K base price. Compared to the 911 Carrera S drop top, which starts at $110.8K and is DOWN 95 horsepower, it's actually a steal.

There is one slight stumbling block though: The 911 has been perfected over 30 years while the Jag's fresh out of the gate.

Drerx8 - 6/17/2013 1:40:00 PM

0 Boost

I've driven the V6 S F-Type...I liked the car a lot; however, the whole time I felt like the Cayman S stacked up against the car better than the 911 did. The thing is the sticker on this one was $94K (!!!) It is a gorgeous car, nice sound, interior is great...but the experience was below that of a Cayman and 911 for me - ESPECIALLY for $94,000. At the end of the day if Porsche did not exist, this would damn near be the perfect sports car.

2ndbimmer - 6/18/2013 11:04:18 AM

-1 Boost

I have driven the F Type and for the average person, the F Type is better than the Porsche. For the price demographic, its more luxurious, nice rumble, more than enough power, nice stitching, not full ugly red leather interior or brown interior like the porsche. At lease the Jaguar has the interior done right. I mean, who wants a red dash, red steering wheel and red everywhere!?
In my hometown of Lake Forest, IL, there is just one porsche after another, I would get the F Type and not follow the lemmings.

apmoore23 - 6/18/2013 4:23:58 PM

+1 Boost

They HAVE to start out with a high price because its value falls so quickly.