The Jaguar F-Type is unquestionably one of the most beautiful cars on the road. So, when you’re tasked with updating it for a new model year, what do you do? You change the styling as little as possible and concentrate on power.
The 2022 F-Type will start at $69,900, climbing to $103,200 for the F-Type R Coupe. Pricing hasn’t been announced on the convertible variants, which traditionally are several thousand more. All F-Types have a delivery fee of $1,150.
Styling: Didn’t Fix What Wasn’t Broken
Styling has changed little. New, thinner LED headlights make the fascia look even more assertive than before. The taillights have been reworked to have what Jaguar calls “an unmistakable LED chicane signature.” A new gloss-black front splitter appears, and blade-thin side sills look almost like aerodynamic elements hovering above the road.
Inside, Jaguar says, new monogram stitch patterns adorn the seats and door trims. The Jaguar leaper motifs appear in the headrests, along with “subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the center console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.”
What Did Change: No More Little Engines
But the big change is under the hood. Jaguar has discontinued every engine that isn’t a V8.
The entry-level engine is now a 444-horsepower supercharged V8. Power goes through an 8-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or all four. With either drive type, Jaguar claims a 4.4-second 0-to-60 mph time.
The brutally quick F-Type R gets the same 575-horsepower supercharged V8 as it did in 2021. The Type R comes only in all-wheel-drive. With the stronger powerplant, getting to 60 mph takes just 3.5 seconds.
Jaguar’s EliteCare ownership package includes all scheduled maintenance for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Bottom Line Price Higher, But Cheaper Per Horsepower
In absolute terms, the cheapest F-Type has grown more expensive. Last year’s 4-cylinder model could be found for just $61,600. But the all-V8 lineup for 2022 means that you can now get an 8-cylinder F-Type for less than the price of last year’s 6-cylinder model. That’s an enticing proposition for anyone shopping based on power.
But, let’s be honest, you buy an F-Type for the sake of beauty. If that’s your motivation, we should probably point out that Jaguar reduced the number of transmissions available to F-Type buyers for the 2021 model year.
It has now reduced the number of engines available for the 2022 model year. Those are often the steps an automaker takes before trimming a car from the lineup completely.
