There's no version of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type that's underpowered, though it's clear driving the base model that the chassis could handle more power. That's where the F-Type S, and, ultimately, the F-Type V8 S come in.

While Jaguar was keen to preserve the sports car status of the F-Type as well as it could given the required levels of equipment and comfort, the V8 S version takes the car to the next level, forming a sort of bridge between sports car and grand touring classes.

So what makes that big hunk of aluminum under the hood tick? That's what we're here to find out.

Like the V-6s, the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 in the F-Type is found elsewhere in the Jaguar Land Rover range. In the F-Type, however, a few tweaks make the engine subtly different.

For starters, instead of the 510-550 horsepower found in other versions, the F-Type's V-8 generates a stated 495 horsepower.

For those wondering how the metric horsepower figures (PS) stated elsewhere around the world match the mechanical horsepower figures (HP) in the U.S., Jaguar says it has specifically tuned and certified to reach the same numbers for the U.S. market despite the slightly different units, meaning America gets the most powerful F-Type, if only by a little bit; one metric horsepower equals 0.986 mechanical horsepower.

Otherwise, the AJ133 Gen III 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 is essentially identical to its use in other applications.

Unlike the supercharged V-6s, which use Bosch engine management, the Jag V-8 uses Denso engine electronics. A 9.5:1 compression ratio squeezes 1.5 bar (21.75 psi) of boost supplied by the V-mounted Eaton roots-type twin-helix supercharger. The V-8's bore is 92.5 mm and stroke is 93.00 mm, making it essentially a "square" design. Four valves per cylinder help pump the air to generate the V-8's 495 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

With all that twist and push, the F-Type V8 S accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and from 50-75 mph in 2.5 seconds--0.6 seconds quicker than the F-Type S. Top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph.

Due to the big power and quick performance (as well as the F-Type's 3,671-pound weight in V8 S trim), the 5.0-liter V-8's estimated gas mileage in the F-Type is 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

As the graph below illustrates, the F-Type V8 S is significantly more powerful than even the F-Type S throughout the rpm range. What the graph doesn't illustrate is how crazy good the 5.0-liter V-8 is in the F-Type. The combination is intoxicating.

2014 Jaguar F-Type engine power output

2014 Jaguar F-Type engine power output

-----------

Catch up on all of our 30 Days of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type coverage here.

Read our first drive review of the all three versions of the 2014 F-Type here.

Check out the full details on the F-Type range with The Car Connection's full review here.