Jaguar has just confirmed production of a brand-new F-Type model, to be offered on the market in mid 2013...
Making the announcement at the New York Auto Show, Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "We showed the C-X16 concept in September 2011, and the reaction to it has been so positive that we've accelerated our development of an all-new Jaguar sports car."
"That car will be called the F-Type, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year. The core appeal of Jaguar's cars is their sporting heart, and that heart will beat stronger than ever before in the F-Type. Its development is a vivid representation of the confidence and ambition of the Jaguar brand, and the desire amongst our engineers and design team to produce a world-leader in a market segment that we have been absent from for too long. But no longer – the F-TYPE is coming."
While full technical specs have yet to be revealed, Jaguar confirms that the F-Type will launch as a two-seater convertible, offered with a range of petrol engines. Prototype road testing is already underway at Jaguar's famous Castle Bromwich plant.
Ian Hoban, Jaguar's Vehicle Line Director said: "The engineering development of the F-TYPE has focused on delivering a heightened level of dynamic driving reward. We are excited about our progress to date and are looking forward to soon being able to demonstrate what we have achieved."
As for the aesthetics of the new car, expect pure, exhilarating sports lines. Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: "A true sports car needs to be pure in both its purpose and its form; to have the opportunity to produce such a car for Jaguar has been a privilege both for myself and for my team. The C-type, D-type and E-type Jaguars were all sports cars that held true to this principle in their era, and the F-Type will hold true to that same principle in its time, a time that is soon to arrive."
The F-Type will join Jaguar's existing range of covetable automobiles: the XF saloon and Sportbrake, XJ saloon and XK coupe and convertible. Full technical and range details will be unveiled later this year, so watch this space.
