Motor Trend has 2 sets of lap times for the F-Type Coupe R and the Convertible V8S, one at their Motown Mile and the other at Laguna Seca. The V8S was faster than the R at both tracks. Granted, it wasn't under the same conditions (different dates a year apart) but nevertheless it was very surprising. On paper the R weighs basically the same but has more power and torque, firmer suspension and a stiffer chassis. Just too can't put the power down?

Then I came across this old (January 2014) Evo article on a prototype Coupe R. The article says the Coupe R did the Nurburgring in 7:39 while the Convertible V8S took 7:54, a full 15 seconds slower. This I expected. So, what can we conclude/speculate?

• Jaguar significantly changed the Coupe R prototype for production, making it slower than the V8S?
• Nurburgring favors the Coupe R while the Motown Mile and Laguna Seca favors the Convertible V8S?
• Motor Trend was not able to drive the Coupe R at its limits?
• Motor Trend got a "bad" Coupe R for testing?

Thoughts? I don't really care for Ring time or lap times per se, just more curious about the relative performance of the convertible vs coupe when there's turning involved. We already know the Coupe is better in all other aspects



Full Evo article: http://www.goodtobebadcat.com/2014/1...ring-time.html

 

I have read that the US and UK/Euro cars have different engine tunes?

As a pure drivers car the Coupe R is the one to have. I like my Vert since its sunny here and I spend my life until a year ago living in rain and cloud. But if I were driving on tracks often I'd have a Coupe every time. We can have a drag race at the Jaguar Performance event and I would expect your R to win, however I am a beast behind the wheel

 

Well, where actual lap times exist, the V8S seems to be holding its own.

I'm not sure that a "rumored" time that has never actually been substantiated is worth all that much.

Oh - and from the driver's seat you categorically can't beat the sound of the V8S with the top down.

 

That's true, haven't seen video or other concrete time evidence except what the Jag engineers are telling the magazines.

 

Did they test an R with the Panoramic roof? It has to weigh quite a bit more, and it's in the wrong place.