When the Jaguar F-Type debuted, it was dubbed a return to form for the brand and one of the most beautiful cars of the modern era. Ian Callum’s design was slightly reminiscent of the proportions of the iconic E-Type, and now that it’s time for a refresh, the man who took Mr. Callum’s job, Julian Thompson, wisely chose not to mess with the dimensions much. Still, as the new head of design at a global powerhouse, you need to make your mark. The changes to the F-Type R convertible are more than just skin-deep though, with the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 now providing the same 567 horsepower as the old SVR version. 516 lb-ft of torque is sent through an updated eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, and various handling upgrades give the R a more accessible driving experience, too. Is it worth over $105,000 though? Let’s see.
2021 Jaguar F-Type R Convertible Changes: What’s the difference vs 2020 F-Type R Convertible?
The most obvious changes are to the styling, with the front end featuring a sleeker look, while inside there is a new 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system. A quiet mode for start-ups will help keep you in the good graces of your neighbors. The suspension has been heavily revised too, with updated anti-roll bars, new springs, and retuned dampers that are intended to make the handling sharper while improving comfort too.
F-Type R Convertible Exterior
The front end of the new F-Type R convertible is far smoother than that of the already svelte original model, and new slim LED headlights drop the focal point of the nose, making the car appear even lower. New grilles that are larger than before tie in brilliantly with the design, while repositioned hood and fender vents improve cooling and aerodynamic efficiency respectively. At the back, the taillights have been sharpened with a squared-off look, while a body-colored diffuser houses the R’s signature quad-tip exhaust arrangement. 20-inch wheels are standard, but you can choose from a range of designs in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch variations if the standard multi-spoke wheels don’t do it for you.
Dimensions
Despite the refreshed design, dimensions on the R convertible are identical to those of the previous model, with length measuring 176 inches and height pegged at 51.5 inches. The wheelbase is unchanged at 103.2 inches, while width with the mirrors folded is 74.2 inches and a little over 80 inches with them extended. Curb weight, however, has increased by 40 pounds to 3,887 lbs, but the additional power from that 5.0-liter V8 should cancel it out with ease.
