An inadvertent slip has led Jag to release this one and only image of its new 2014 F-Type ahead of the car’s formal debut in Paris. Full details on the striking roadster, which retains much of the styling and engineering technology seen in the Jaguar C-X16 Concept Coupe that was presented last fall in Frankfurt, will be forthcoming next week. However, Jag has already confirmed several key features about the new F-type, which will be one of the unquestioned stars of the show and go on sale worldwide sometime in 2013.
Based on an aluminum-intensive structure shared with the current Jaguar XK line, this rakish, rear-drive 2-seater will be available with the choice of three engines, a 3.0-liter/335-horsepower supercharged V6, a 375-horse variation on that engine and a top-line, 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that will crank out in excess of 500 ponies. Standard transmission for all versions will be an 8-speed automatic. Although it will launch as a drop top, a Coupe sibling will be introduced within 12-18 months of the F-Type’s arrival in showrooms. While yet to be confirmed, an enthusiast-oriented “R” spec variant also is expected to turn up at some point.
Billed by Jag execs as “a driver-focused sports car experience,” the new F-Type will serve as the de facto replacement for the iconic Jaguar XKE. It reportedly will offer even more handling agility than an XKR-S, a fact seemingly confirmed by Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar who observed: “We’ve worked hard to make sure that responses to steering, throttle and brakes are absolutely immediate, a task made far easier by the rigid aluminum structure at the car’s base. It’s precise and exciting, a car that you’ll want to drive for the sake of driving alone – and it sounds fantastic!”
In his recent statement confirming the car’s appearance at the French auto extravaganza, Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark reinforced Cross’ contention by noting: “The unveiling of the F-type in Paris will be a truly significant day in Jaguar’s history as it will mark the company’s return to the sports car market, a market it originally helped to create.”
