2018 Jaguar F-Type Gets New Base 4-Cylinder Engine, Cheaper Entry Price

EL1 said:

Whoah???

Personally, I think this dilutes the F-Type brand. Now, it doesn't seem like a very "exclusive" product line with 4 cylinder horse power that's equivalent to a Toyota / Scion!

In addition, why would anyone in a market segment (that can afford a +$60K car) want to "settle" for a 4 cylinder European exotic, to begin with?

It just doesn't make any sense to me.

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When I read the minimally different 0-60 specs for the 2.0 (P300) versus the 6-cylinder, I thought the 4-banger would be wholly adequate for my needs. Also was convinced by its lower weight over the front axle, yielding more sportscar-like handling/cornering at speed. Highway fuel economy of 30mpg is another bonus. What's more, I'm not a loud-engine fanboy (though the 4-pot still delivers pops and burbles from over-run on shifts near red-line and has just enough auditory grunt to suit my tastes).

In 2022, when I found a CPO 2020 P300 convertible in racing green metallic, with only 2,800 miles on the ODO, I went for it. Original sticker as spec'd was a shade under $75k; dealer wanted $59k for the lease-return. I bargained down to $57k and demanded $6k trade-in value on my 16-yr-old Mazda RX-8 w/54k miles, so I paid net $51k pretax, license, registration. Helluva deal, I thought!

One year of flawless performance later, I still love this car. It has more power than I'll ever need on ordinary roadways. Not in the least do I feel I "settled" for this flavor of F-type.