We certainly don’t feel the need to come up with any excuse to re-test the Jaguar F-Type. We love driving it, looking at it, and just being near it. But there is something actually new on this F-Type worthy of our journalistic focus.

And it just might be the answered prayer of automotive purists everywhere: a manual transmission! Yes, this F-Type pairs the 340 or 380 horsepower 3.0 liter supercharged V6 with a six speed “clutch pedal and shift” gearbox.

Throws are short and crisp, yet impressively smooth and issue free. Even though it’s 99.9% a sports car kinda thing, this manual trans can be daily driven with ease.

And don’t think you’re compromising by getting the V6 only. The exhaust note, and onslaught of power are still plenty pleasing, and even had most of our staffers favoring it over the bigger and bulkier V8. After all, around turns, you want as little front weight as possible.   

It’s the new, cool cat of the kingdom with all the flash and sizzle that F-Types are known for, plus the added street cred of rowing your own gears.

Also in line with this purist theme is the rear-wheel drive only restriction, aiming this F-Type at a very specific buyer: those truly interested in driving dynamics and enjoyment.

If that’s you, rejoice that it’s also the least expensive F-Type! A base Coupe with manual starts at $66,000. Our Coupe S, with the 40 extra horsepower, starts at $78,000.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0 liter
  • Horsepower: 380
  • Price: Starts at $78,000