2020 Jaguar F-TYPE R Convertible

The F-Type R Convertible is just available in the 1 trim and is loaded with all the bells and whistles of the standard F-Type plus, some performance specific upgrades as well. Moving over the standard F-Type, the F-Type R adds to the already superb list of features available in the same, with some performance-centric features. The Note-Worthy features have been listed down below

Trim	F-Type R
MSRP (AWD)	$104,900
Key Features	20” 5 Spoke Alloys
	Red Brake Calipers
	Windsor Leather Interiors
	R Performance Seats
	12 Way Power Adjust Front Seats with Memory

What do we recommend?

While Jaguar have done everything in decking the 2020 F-Type R Convertible with everything they have, customers wanting more can add some more equipment, owing to their own preferences and choices.

Powering this beautiful 2-seater, is a beefy 5.0L Supercharged V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Propelling all wheels of the convertible, the engine has a coarse overtone with rumbling pops and crackles which grossly corresponds with the performance that kicks with each rise in its sonorous revs. It performs with incredible smoothness and swiftly while the acceleration is brisk thanks to its mighty torque. 

The F-Type’s responsive gearbox is controlled via paddle shifters and each gear change has been greatly tuned to providing excellent performance. The Responsiveness from the Gear Change is stupendous and you will find not much lag while changing the gears up and down.

Models	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
MSRP	$104,900	$154,450	$134,250	$95,440
Engine	5.0L Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V8	5.5L Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V8	3.0L Turbocharged H-6	6.2L Supercharged V8
Drivetrain	AWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Transmission	8-Speed automatic	7-Speed automatic	7-Speed manual	7-Speed Manual
Power	550hp@6,500rpm	577hp@5,500rpm	450hp@6,500rpm	650hp@6,400rpm
Torque	502lb-ft@3,500rpm	664lb-ft@4,800rpm	405lb-ft@2,150rpm	650lb-ft@3,600rpm

*2019 Model Year Figures used for reference purposes only

Speaking of the competition, the Corvette offers unmatched power and torque for its asking price and is the best here. There is very little separating the Merc and the Jaguar in terms of power and torque and are on the same page. The Porsche is the least powerful of the bunch but as you shall see later, it isn’t the slowest of the lot.

How fast is this Jag?

The V8 under the F-Type R is a roaring rocket and that translates on the tarmac as well. All that power from the 8-cylinders churns out excellent performance, taking 3.7s from naught to 60 miles per hour. On the quarter-mile, the motor zips the drop-top in 11.9s.  All this translates to breathtaking performance in the real world. Passing other cars in the city and on the motorways is a piece of cake for the Jag. You never feel devoid of power at any point, driving the Jag

Models	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
0-60 MPH	3.7 sec	4.2 sec	3.9 sec	3.1 sec
Quarter Mile	11.9 sec	N/A	12.3 sec	10.94 sec
Top Speed	200 MPH	186 MPH	190 MPH	200 MPH
Engine	5.0L Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V8	5.5L Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V8	3.0L Turbocharged H-6	6.2L Supercharged V8

The Corvette is the quickest here and is followed by the Jag and the Porsche respectively. The Weight of the Mercedes takes a toll on its performance and which is why, it is the slowest of the bunch, despite all the power and torque.

What's the Handling like?

Since the F-Type R comes loaded with features of the F-Type SVR and the base F-Type, the handling and braking performance is in the same lines as well. With adaptive suspension aiding its balanced and stable but firmer ride as compared to its coupe sibling, the soft top glides over bumps and potholes but jumps more than normal when hovering over them. There also exists minor jostling once on extremely undulated tarmac curtailing confidence. Yet its precise and responsive steering only elevates its entertaining ride while also staying exciting.

The F-Type R’s body roll is readily limited and handling around chicanes feels fun and spirited. Soldered to the roadway and barely comes across as a weakling, tame it the way you want and this brute of a convertible is not the one to step down; whether that’s cruising down the highway or a visit to your nearest groceries.

How well do the Brakes perform?

With such a huge amount of Power and Torque on offer, the Jag F-Type R needed to have superb brakes as well. Jaguar has addressed the same and has supplied this convertible, with a superb brake setup. The brakes don't fade easily and you have enough feedback on offer at all times. Heat dissipation is decent and nose dive is very well contained as well. The convertible maintains a straight line under heavy braking and you wouldn't have to worry about the same.

Models	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
Brake Rotors Front	14"	15.4"	13.8"	14.6"
Brake Rotors Rear	12.8"	14.2"	13"	14.4"
Curb Weight	3847 lbs	4068 lbs	3351 lbs	4112 lbs
60-0 MPH	102 ft	108 ft	98 ft	99.6 ft

In terms of the braking performance, other than the AMG, all convertibles here, offer similar braking performance. The Porsche stays put to its impeccable dynamism, by being the best here. The Z06 manages to pull off a surprise in this aspect, by being on par with the Porsche in the braking department. The Merc fails here completely, owing to its heft and slightly off-par brakes but in no way, is it jittering to live with.

While the Jag does well in the performance section, the supercharged motor of the Jag takes a toll on its MPG figures. The Jag delivers an overall MPG figure of 18 and while this may not be the best in class, it certainly isn’t the worst and at par with its other rivals. The 18.5 Gallon Fuel tank of the F-Type R, ensures that the Jag traverses 278 miles on the city with a full tank and 426 on the highway.

Model	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
MPG (City)	15	15	18	15
MPG (Highway)	23	23	26	22
MPG (Combined)	18	18	21	17
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gallons	19.8 gallons	17.6 gallons	18.5 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	278/426/333 miles	297/455/356 miles	317/458/369 miles	278/407/314 miles
Emission  (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	N/A	NA	N/A

Speaking of the rivals, the least powerful Porsche is the undisputed king in terms of the MPG figures and is miles ahead of its rivals. All the others in the segment are on the same page, with the Corvette being the least frugal of the lot.

Inside the F-Type R, space is a compromise you will have to make while aesthetically paralleling luxury and sport. Sewn R performance leather seats alongside R-branded leather steering wheel with leather trim and quality finish make up the cabin. Seating 2, the Jaguar is anything but your family car or let’s say, cozy. The posh seats are comfortable but headroom when the roof is down, and legroom confine tall or thick passengers to a restricted enclosure.

Model	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
Seating Capacity	2	2	4	2
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	37.0/56.5/43.0	39.1/55.5/42.9	N/A	37.9/55.2/43
Rear Row  (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

The low-build of the convertible poses a problem for tall passengers to get in or out, and the confined space inside it would cause a bit of discomfort for someone like Terry Crews. The enclosed structure next to the thick front pillars and high-mounted rear windows, alongside a drop in the front nose, all combine to induce another issue - poor outward visibility. 

Creature comforts on offer?

Plenty of them. Despite being a hardcore sports car, the F-Type R, scores a lot of marks in the features department. Jaguar has kitted it, with the best that it has on offer, in terms of the bells and whistles. Some of the standout features include the following few 

• 12-way electric front seats with memory
• Deployable front air vents
• R-branded leather steering wheel
• R performance leather seats
• Single-zone Climate Control
• Overhead lighting console
• Interior lighting
• Electrically adjustable steering column with memory

How does the Infotainment system fare?

While seemingly reasonable cabin gives way to a decent interior, the infotainment system on the Jaguar R is another case altogether. The latest 10” touchscreen with navigation system is an upgrade from the previous year but is still not the marquee’s forte resulting in mediocre performance and user interface. Also, another big downfall is that the trim doesn’t include voice recognition. Adding to the dismay, the technology of the system feels inferior to its rivals. Some standard features include –

• Sirius XM Satellite Radio & HD radio
• Bluetooth and Spotify Connectivity
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• Navigation Pro system
• Connect Pro System that includes WI-Fi Hotspot Connectivity, Incontrol Remote, and Apps
• Meridian Sound System

How Practical is the F-Type R Convertible?

Practicality is not something you’d find on the Jaguar. Welcome a paltry 7.3 cubic feet for storage in the back while its rivals such as the Corvette Z06, offer 10 – relatively better but just not good enough for a convertible. The Mercedes SL 63 on the other hand, shows that practicality can’t be compromised on the convertible. It blows its rivals by offering 13.5 cu.ft. Of storage space as compared to the paltry 7.3 cu.ft. Of space on the Jag.

Model	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
Cargo Capacity	7.3 cu.ft.	13.5 cu.ft.	4.4 cu.ft.	10 cu.ft.

The new F-Type comes virtually unchanged from its previous iteration. Sat alongside 4 20” 5 spoke wheels, the convertible is a modern design infused with a classic touch. The feline coupe’s advanced craftsmanship is delicately molded with smooth character lines, sporty bumpers and side skirts along with subtle detail, all culminating to the elegance of the aerodynamic sculpture of the coupe.

The Sleek Headlights, well-chiseled hood, character lines around the body, all add up to the joy of owning the F-Type R. The legendary front end, makes the F-Type R recognizable from a distance. 

Model	Jaguar F Type R convertible	Mercedes Benz AMG SL 63 Convertible*	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet*	Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ*
Curb Weight	3847 lbs	4068 lbs	3351 lbs	4112 lbs
Length	176.0"	182.7"	178.3"	177.9"
Width	74.2"	73.9"	72.9"	77.4"
Height	51.5"	51.2"	50.8"	48.7"
Ground Clearance	3.9"	4.4"	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase	103.2"	101.7"	96.5"	106.7"

It takes the Jaguar 12 seconds from turning into a coupe to going bare-top or vice versa. When viewed from any angle, the sleek and sexiness are tasteful and profound. Measuring 176” in length, the coupe perches 4” from the ground and weighs over 3800 pounds. The short wheelbase, adds to the driving dynamics of the Jag and makes it feel agile. The Corvette is the most cumbersome to live with on a daily basis because of its proportions. The AMG is not easy either and will be the most expensive to repair, in event of a crash/minor scratches on the body.

Noteworthy features on the outside?

Jaguar bundles plenty of features on both the inside and on the outside of the F-Type R. Some of the most noteworthy features of the F-Type R includes the following few features –

• Chrome-accented grille
• 20” 5 spoke wheels
• Quad Outboard Mounted Exhaust Pipes
• Infrared reflective windshield
• LED Headlights with Signature DRL & LED Tail Lights
• R Badge on the front bumper and the rear
• Rain-Sensing windshield wipers

Offered with aplenty safety equipment alongside technology, the convertible makes sure to keep the driver as well as its passengers protected. The manufacturer has kitted the F-Type R with affluent and advanced standard safety features such as –

• Electromechanical parking brake
• Rearview Camera
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Anti-theft alarm system

NHTSA and IIHS are yet to rate the 2020 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible.

Jaguar F-Type R vs Mercedes-AMG SL 63 

The SL 63 from Mercedes-AMG, has been around for a while and in its years of existence, it has seen a lot of upgrades and updates. The SL 63 is one of the most well rounded packages in the market that includes a Beefy Motor underneath the hood, sturdy tank like Build, practical cabin and a great cargo space on offer. But all of this, comes at a hefty premium, when you take the Jag’s case in hand. The F-Type R Convertible, offers most of what the German has to offer but at a way lesser price. If you aren’t willing to compromise on the Build, the Merc is the way to go but for everything else that matters, it’s the Jag that you should put your money on.

Jaguar F-Type R vs Chevrolet Corvette 

Monstrosity seems to favour the Chevrolet Corvette more than the F-Type – loud and bashing engine squealing the tires on the track with roaring exhaust rumble. The Corvette pulls many tricks up its sleeve when it comes to performance and hands down has the best interior yet. However the Jaguar is an English snob with pops and rumbles of its own but just not as quick or zippy as the Corvette.

What it does exceedingly better is show what opulence and luxurious the interior can be, something the Amercian lags behind. All in all, the Corvette is your go-to if performance over luxury matters. Else, the Jaguar is a rather refined Englishman.

Jaguar F-Type R Convertible vs Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

A multifaceted convertible, the Porsche 911 is the Jaguar F-Type if the English feline got its handling refined and interior furthermore polished. The F-Type is basically a more affordable alternative to the 911 and it has no issue showing that off. They both house similar powertrains, and sport-luxury features. However the Jaguar is still an excellent performer, houses beautiful interior and a gorgeous exterior design. Want a 911 but can’t afford the additional bills? The F-Type is your car.

While Jaguar set segment benchmarks with its F-Type, the F-Type R Convertible takes the game forward by a good margin. The 2020 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible embodies the best of what Jaguar has to offer. It’s luxurious on the inside, has impeccable road manners, grabs eyeballs wherever it goes and is a hoot to drive. Sure, there are more powerful or more thrifty or better-driving cars in the segment but for the kind of value that the F-Type R has on offer, it surely deserves a spot in your Garage.