Jaguar to make new F-Type sports car

Jaguar has confirmed that it is to start production of a new two-seater sports car known as the F-Type at its Castle Bromwich plant. The news was announced at the New York Motor Show. Based on the C-X16 production concept unveiled at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the lightweight aluminium F-Type will initially be launched as a convertible, with a coupé model set to follow. The new car will be unveiled in production form this year, with the first models expected to be on sale in mid-2013.

Global brand director Adrian Hallmark said the decision to put the car into production had been ‘fast-forwarded’ following a strong response to the concept car. “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 among our engineers and design team to produce a world leader in a market segment that we have been absent from for too long.”

Prices and specification details have yet to be announced for the new car, which is likely to compete with the Porsche Cayman and 911 models and the Aston Martin Vantage. It will initially be powered by a range of petrol engines, although it is thought that the petrol-electric hybrid power-plant featured in the C-X16 may also come into play in due course. The F-Type will now undergo final on-road testing as part of its development.