Jaguar shows F-Type at Paris Motor Show

October 01,2012

The 1961 Jaguar E-Type is consistently at the top of many lists of “most beautiful cars,” and now, more than fifty years later, it has a proper successor. Jaguar has unveiled the F-Type at the Paris Motor Show—a two-seat, convertible sports car built on an aluminum space frame. F-Type will reportedly have a relatively low curb weight of 1600kg, with supercharged V6 and V8 engines in three power levels: 340bhp, 380bhp and 495bhp.

Designing the F-Type was surely no easy task. To the credit of the design team under Ian Callum, they didn’t attempt to produce an updated version of the E-Type, or resort to a retro design. Instead, the F-Type is thoroughly modern design, with taut lines and a clean profile. The stretched headlamps accentuate the hood, while the rear haunches playfully roll upward at the rear fenders. The taillights are beady LED units. Neat touches are the lightweight soft top that serves as its own tonneau cover when folded, and hidden door handles.

Jaguar will build the F-Type using a fourth-generation aluminum structure. The aluminum frame is riveted and bonded, and the car uses composite parts for additional weight savings. Even the double wishbones of the front and rear suspension are made from aluminum.

F-Type will be powered in base form by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 putting out 340bhp, with a 380bhp version in the V6 S version. The top engine is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 495bhp and 624Nm. The 340bhp V6 can accelerate to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds; the 380bhp, in 4.9 seconds, and the V8 in also 4.9 seconds. The V6 goes up to 260km/h, electronically limited, while the V8 tops out at the 300km/h mark. The engines will be paired with an eight-speed automatic, with paddle shifters and console gate for manual shifting. Steering and throttle response can be changed via touchscreen, and a launch mode is also available.

The cabin features an asymmetric layout, with a cockpit feel for the driver. Hidden air vents pop out of the dashboard when needed, to keep the cabin warm or cool as needed. The seats are mounted low, 20mm lower than those of the XKR-S, to give a sportier feel. The audio system will be supplied by British audio firm Meridian.

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