Jaguar F-Type P380 FE

Can Jag’s V6 coupe step out of the shadow of its savage bent-eight sibling?

- Cameron Kirby

ENGINE 2995cc V6, DOHC, 24v, s’charged

POWER 280kW @ 6250rpm

TORQUE 460Nm @ 4500-5000rpm 0-100km/h 4.9sec (claimed)

WEIGHT 1647kg

PRICE $204,9363.5 Rating

LIKE: Supercharged V6 sounds like a riot; surprising grand tourer; it’s not a 911

DISLIKE: Front-end lacks bite; some options should be standard; it’s not a 911

THE JAGUAR F-TYPE R casts a long shadow. Despite its sleek looks, the awe and wonder of the supercharged V8 coupe threatens to eclipse a worthy sports car offering from Jaguar’s own stable. We’re talking about the F-Type P380 First Edition, which has landed on Australian shores fighting to break free of its sibling’s wake with a character of its own.

Powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6, the P380 First Edition sends its 280kW/460Nm to the rear wheels exclusively, unlike the R variant that Enright tested in our December issue, though uses the same eight-speed automatic gearbox. Impressive and grippy Pirelli P Zero tyres wrap 20-inch wheels, of 255/35 under the front quarters, and 295/30 at the rear, while the claimed 0-100km/h time is 4.9 seconds. Quick then, but not concussively so.