BEST CAT TRICKS EVER
2016 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

The internet is filled with videos and stills of cats performing feats ranging from the silly to the stupendous. These are among the most popular go-to sites online, but Jaguar may have them all beat. The new F-Type R Coupe performs cat tricks like no other. Harvey Schwartz reports, and presents his owns still shots of this amazing cat. Story and pictures by Harvey Schwartz The new 2016 Jaguar F-Type R coupe is an incredible, ultra high-performance luxury coupe that features super-car styling, power, handling, and braking. The powerful shape and beautiful proportions reveal its heritage, going back to the XK series from the late 1940’s/1950’s. It is, in part, sculpted by the wind, and formed with the latest airflow technology. Aerodynamic performance is seamlessly integrated into the body for low levels of lift giving it excellent stability at high speeds. A front splitter hiding beneath the grille and rear valance help to manage airflow underneath the car, while a deplorable rear spoiler at the Jaguar badge automatically rises to reduce lift at 60mph. Made from an aluminum frame and body the car shows a full carbon fiber roof, hood heat extractors, bulging rear wheel-wells, power-folding/heated/self-dimming aero styled sideview mirrors, deep aerodynamic lower side extensions and trim around the four round exhaust pipes. Also, the door handles keep the sides’ flush along the edges. Up front are LED daytime running lamps and HID adaptive lighting that gives a better view at night. This advanced system measures vehicle speed and the angle of the steering wheel.

The heart of the new car is its 5.0 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC, Direct Injected VVT supercharged V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower, allowing the car to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds, with a terminal velocity of 186 mph. It is mated to an eight-speed, paddle-shifting automatic transmission. The fully independent, all-wheel drive suspension’s active shocks perform well on smooth roads and racetracks, as well as poorly paved roads. It features Driveline Dynamics active power technology for enhanced traction while retaining the sporty agility and steering feel of a rear-wheel-drive car. While driving the system continuously monitors driving and road conditions to optimize traction and handling balance and the system can act preemptively to help ensure the best possible grip in a variety of situations. Further enhancing the thrill of driving the F-Type R coupe is the electronic active differential that puts the power down on the wheel with the most traction. To better the fuel mileage, the Auto Stop/Start shuts the engine down when you’re stopped (at a red light, for example), re-igniting when you let your foot off the brake pedal. Adding more performance to the drive is the Torque Vectoring Braking System by applying controlled independent braking of the individual inside front and rear wheels. Torque Vectoring adds to turning forces acting on the car. The result is increased steering performance and more confidence at the wheel.

The brakes are monstrous Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes that bite into the punched 15-inch fry pan-sized rotors to bring the car to a quick, safe stop. The front features six-piston Brembo calipers and four Brembo calipers are found in the rear. The stunning 20X10 inch front/20X12 inch rear unique wheels are wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero low-profile high-performance tires that further add grip and traction. It takes only 106 feet to stop from 60 mph. The enjoyment and thrill of the ride continues inside with a luxurious, sporty, comfortable and well-connected interior. Open the door and be greeted with four-inch wide aluminum skid plates. The interior is completely lined in the finest leathers. The 15-way sport-styled bucket seats are heated/cooled with ‘R’ embossed on the headrest, and feature power side bolster control. Dark Linear Aluminum with glossy black piano trim on the center console and center stack features an 8-inch color touch screen. The electric power-assisted tilt/telescopic flat-bottom leather steering wheel feels great in your hands. Aluminum pedals add to the sporty interior as does the dual comfort/sport/snow switch to use when your mood changes for a thrilling ride/just cruising or when driving on loose gravel or snow. Push the black start/stop button and the engine opens with a loud growling burble utilizing the Active Exhaust System to suit you disposition. Some great standard features include blind-side alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 770-watt Meridian Surround Sound Audio system with 11-speakers. There are only a handful of super high-performance luxury two-seat sports cars, and the new 2016 Jaguar F-Type R is one of the best. Prices start at $105.400. Our test F-Type R came in at $122,495, including destination charge. It is also available with a power canvas convertible.

© Story and pictures by Harvey Schwartz SUMMARY JUDGMENT This cat performs feats like no other you’ll see on the Internet For more information about Jaguar products, go to jaguarusa.com SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2016 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe Price: $105,400 (base) $122,495 (as tested) EPA fuel economy rating: 15 city/23 highway (miles per gallon) Engine: 5.0 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC, Direct Injected VVT supercharged V8 Horsepower: 550 Transmission: Eight-speed, paddle-shifting automatic Steering: Electric power-assisted tilt/telescoping Drive configuration: All-wheel drive Suspension: Fully independent, front and rear Brakes: Torque Vectoring Braking System, with Carbon Ceramic Matrix pads, 15-inch rotors, and six-piston Brembo calipers in front and four-piston Brembo calipers in the rear. Wheels and tires: 20X10 inch front and 20X12 inch rear wheels, with Pirelli P-Zero low-profile high-performance tires Dimensions Length: 176 inches Height: 51.6 inches Width with mirrors folded: 74.2 inches Curb weight: 3,814 pounds