Jaguar confirms two-seater F-Type is set to go into production

 

The spirit of the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most iconic British sports cars of all time, is to be reborn. The Midlands company has confirmed it will launch an all-new two-seater next year, to be called the F-Type. The new model will be available as a coupe and convertible, and cost from around £50,000. A number of different versions will go on sale, but Jaguar is promising a top speed of more than 180mph and a 0-60mph time under five seconds. It will sit below the XK grand tourer in the range, and be the smallest new Jaguar since the XK120 of 1954. Details of the F-Type were announced at the New York Motor Show today. The exact design is still secret but official pictures of a prototype vehicle on test were released. Production will begin in the spring at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham. No new jobs will be created as a direct result, but bosses admit their plans for future model expansion will require extra employees in due course. The Jaguar E-Type regularly tops polls of experts as one of the best-looking and most influential British cars ever. Epitomising London in the Swinging Sixties, it was driven by numerous celebrities of the time. The F-Type will be the 'spiritual successor' to the world-famous classic, the E-Type (Picture: PA) Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director, acknowledged calling the new car F-Type was a carefully considered choice. 'We carried out extensive research but F-Type appeals to both traditionalists and progressive fans. Everyone gets it, it needs no more explanation. Of all the names considered it had by far the most resonance, but the car will become its own character in time.' Jaguar unveiled a concept car called the F-Type in 2000, but the production model will be based on the C-X16 prototype seen at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Around 4.40 metres long and rear-wheel drive, the F-Type will be a rival to the Porsche 911 and Mercedes SL. A fabric-topped convertible version will arrive in UK showrooms from June 2013 before being exported around the world.. A coupe will follow in 2014. North America is expected to be a key market for both models. Jaguar also confirmed its plans for a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system on the F-Type – including a ‘Push to Pass’ steering wheel button – are still in development. Using it would give the driver a quick surge of extra power for safer overtaking.