Jaguar F-Type manual shift, but only in the V6?

When the paddles shift car first began it was all the rage, but Jaguar just released the 2016 Jaguar F-Type with manual shift transmission, and most fans are jumping for joy.

Seriously, when paddle shift cars hit the mainstream vehicle lineup a few years ago consumers were excited and wowed at the thoughts of driving their cars like a race car driver or like some high tech video game. The only downside was after a few time of playing with the paddles and running up and down the road showing all your friends, it just becomes a novelty item. The F-Type with paddle shift automatic is a great advance in technology but how long does the driver enjoy it or use it? Jaguar throws a bunch of technical terms at us like: “most effective rev range, instantaneous response, intelligent, adaptive, and a truly dynamic driving experience, but I’m saying there is nothing that compares to grabbing the manual stick and banging those gears yourself.

I’ve driven the 2014 Jaguar F-Type Roadster and the 2015 F-Type R Coupe and I’ll admit that the paddle shift was an awesome feature; the QuickShift 8 speed automatic is as quick as lightening, very snappy and not like any automatic you have ever driven. But the fact still remains that some enthusiast rather have a gear shift in their hand and feel more connected with the car as they take control of the transmission.

Take notice of the professional driver using the manual shift in this awesome video from Jaguar:

I know that if you run the numbers and time the quick response, the stats will most likely tell us that the 8 speed automatic can shift quicker and more precise that a human driver can with the manual stick, but I say it’s just not the same. I for one am very excited to get behind the wheel of this slick new F-Type manual. The Dynamic Launch Mode offered in the 2014 F-Type S with its maximum torque throughout the gear changes will give you optimum acceleration from zero to 60 mph and you just have to stomp your foot to the floor, but it still falls short for the purist who want the control in their hand.

The new Jaguar F-Type manual will only be featured in ZF V6 rear wheel drive equipped cars. It features a short throw shifter, close-ratio gearbox, a 22 lb. weight savings over the auto, features a new electric power steering system, and will also save a few dollars by ordering the manual.

I know that some of you can’t even finish this article without asking the question, “Why not offer the manual in the V8 model?” Russ Varney (F-Type Vehicle Program Director) said “Never say never”, when asked about the V8 with manual shift.

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