A most exhilarating driving experience: the new F-Type R75 Coupe from Jaguar

Jaguar's F-Type R75 Coupe is a sight to behold, with its sleek Ligurian satin black finish and scorpion-like stance. It packs a powerful punch with its 567 hp, 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine. It's a sports car that exudes confidence, ready to take on any challenge. What's more, it's the final sports car from the British marque to feature only an internal-combustion engine, marking 75 years since the release of its first model, the legendary XK120. For a while now, it has been evident that the automotive industry would be phasing out gas-guzzling vehicles, much like what happened with cigarettes and sunbeds. Nonetheless, the pace of Jaguar's clean-sheet approach feels abrupt. In 2025, the brand will introduce its electrified fleet, along with a complete brand overhaul, of which little is known, except for the fact that the average on-the-road prices will be entering the six-figure territory. Jaguar's sales have been sluggish for some time, and the company has determined that the only way to improve is by relying on lithium mines.

Imagine you are heading north towards the Pyrenees, cruising through beautiful gorges and up steep mountain passes, stopping for fuel and espresso along the way. Though with the R75's powerful V-8 engine, you won’t need much fuel. As soon as you start the car, the engine growls with aggression.

Then, as you leave Gaudí's city behind, you hear the sound and shift into manual mode to use the paddle shifters. The car crackles and pops, roaring like an angry bear. Pushing it to the limit and shifting from second gear into third, you almost can’t believe you’re in an electric car. There's a mountain to climb, up to the Port de la Bonaigua pass at over 6,700 feet. Despite the challenging terrain, the all-wheel-drive R75 proves to be more than capable, keeping me safe on the hairpin turns as you ascend to the summit.

When you take in the stunning views, you'll notice that the interior of the car is equally lovely. With a panoramic roof and deep seats upholstered in soft black leather, it almost feels like a grand touring car, even for taller drivers. But it’s time for a break. On the second day, you will traverse the Coronas pass and ascend a winding road of around three miles that seems to have been designed on an Xbox. As you are in the remote northern part of Spain, the paved roads are deserted, and with the sun casting shadows through the pine trees, it's time to let the sound of the V-8 engine bounce off the towering rocks. Upon reaching the summit, with a broad smile on my face, there's only one thing left to do: turn around and do it all over again.