I suspect it is the biggest gas guzzler of any of the F-Types. I don't have the sticker in front of me, but EPA average is 18. I'll provide the other 2 numbers tonight.

 

I've noticed that there is much less popping and crackling on engine decel than the AT models. That's quite alright with me since I felt it was a bit grating on the ears. What I get is a deep throaty resonant sound , particularly around 3500 rpm. As suggested, the crackling might appear as the engine breaks in, or as I get the engine much over 4000 rpm. (following the published break-in.) that is indeed a sweet sounding V6, but will never be mistaken for a V8.

 

Here are the official EPA numbers: 15 city, 24 highway, 18 combined. Info they will not quickly share. Annual fuel cost $3.30/gal,15k miles = $2,750
$4750 more than the average vehicle over 5 years. Smog rating 7. Fuel econ./greenhouse rating 4.

 

That's quite a bit different. I'm looking at my window sticker right now: 20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined. Annual fuel cost $3.75/gal, 15K miles = $2450. Smog rating 5, fuel econ/greenhouse rating 6.

 

Based upon my experience, the throaty resonance will get louder as the mileage increases, but I doubt the crackling and popping tendencies will change. That's a function of ECU programming signaled by deceleration after downshifts on the automatic and actually one of my very favorite things about the car. Sounds like the same signal isn't there on the manual to tell the ECU to make those fun noises.

One man's "grating" is another's pleasure.

BTW, my dealer had a manual allocation and offered it to me with the ability to spec what I wanted. I asked him to give me his best deal on a base convertible exactly like mine (e.g. no options). The best he could do involved me writing him a check for $12K.

I said no thanks, but I think he ordered it that way anyway, since he said he can't keep base F-Types in stock.

 

Fully understood. I know I'm in the minority on this one, but am grateful for the harmonious resonance. What could be better?: we're both extremely happy with what we got.

 

Hmm that's pretty far off from the AT variant

 

Yep...gotta pay to play.

 

It also shows just how good (some) automatics are these days.


EDIT: Just after I submitted this, I realized that what it shows is just how good complete systems are when they combine engine and drivetrain management under drive-by-wire. The driver makes a request, and the myriad computers attempt to optimize the delivery. They're getting quite good at it.

 

The Auto has two over drives. how many gears does the Manual have? Also does the Manual have ECO stop and start? I would think that is where the fuel economy is coming from.

 

The S6-45 transmission is a 6 speed manual transmission which includes just one overdrive gear. The car does have ECO start/stop.

 

The term "overdrive" is less meaningful than it used to be, when an overdrive unit was separate from the gearbox and was intended for cruising speed economy.

Overall gear ratios are more meaningful. I don't know the internal ratios of the 6MT of the 8AT, but the specs I can find show three final drive ratios in use. The shortest is for the base AT, the tallest for the R, the rest get the in-between.

I don't think that's where the difference in fuel economy is though. When the driver requests a certain amount of torque and the computer can optimize both gear and throttle position, it's bound to be more efficient than even the *least* lead-footed and ham-fisted human. It can also plan better for fuel-cutoff on shifts and decal.

Face it: we're obsolete. Enjoy it while you can, especially *because* you can.

 

Yeah...why should the computer have all the fun?

I'm loving it!

 

Another observation. With the broad "friction band" it is difficult to execute crisp, clean shifts under aggressive launch. That is addressable by turning off dynamic throttle response to match it with the sloppy clutch engagement. That, however, minimizes the pure joy of blipping the engine during down shifting. This setup in full dynamic mode will take some practice.

 

The car could really take advantage of a closer ratio gearbox. For as special as this car is, they should have used the S7-45 7 speed gearbox instead of the S6-45.

 

This doesn't *totally* sound like Two Tumbs up!?

Shift throw too long
Gear rations wrong / shoulda been a 7 speed.
'friction band' too wide
Active exhaust feature lacking the pops (ok minor, perhaps to be expected)

Or would it be more reasonable to say, 'This is a luxury GT with a manual transmission, and not a Lotus track car?'

 

I would certainly vote it into the hall of fame as a thrilling luxury GT. It's a hoot to drive. And yes, not a track car.

 

On the 6 speed, dynamic mode does not disable ECO.

 

Would matter not to me,it's the first thing I turn off immediately upon start up.

Congrats on the car,can't wait to see pictures,love BRG and camel interior,it's so traditional British!

 

Really doesn't matter to me either.On the manual, you have full control over ECO. If I want to keep the engine running, I just leave the clutch depressed. If I do choose to let ECO work, I can depress the clutch well before the light changes green, to be confident that engine will propel me forward.

Also, infinitely variable stall speed for launch control (launch at any engine speed) without having to play with the brake pedal.

Gotta find a decent camera for the pics. iPhone just doesn't cut it. I'll take the pics after the detailing is done (another week or so).

Already have the matte black wrap done on the gloss black pieces. Much better! Jaguar and F-Type are debadged. No longer detract from the lines. Left the S badge and, of course, the leaper (body dimples).

Still debating whether to lower. Not concerned about bottoming out, as the lower lip and rocker panel clearance would still be 4.425" (5.625-1.2) and I have yet to scrape anything, even over speed bumps and baltimore city bus ruts. Besides, the front lip is an easy-to-replace throw-away. More concerned about ride comfort (which now is fabulous), even though the H&Rs are progressive. Might give them a try and switch back if they are too stiff.