Jaguar reveals F-Type

Exterior
We've pretty much seen it all before - the CX-16 concept displayed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show is where the F-Type takes its inspiration, and the changes are both limited and minor. That's a good thing, as the production model retains that car's short, squat and muscular stance mixed with current XK styling cues.

The door handles are integrated into the doors (whisper it - a little like Aston Martin's) and the rear spoiler can be deployed when requested by either the driver or the car. Despite being almost identical to the concept's, the front-end does seem a little heavy handed - especially around the grille area - but that's a small criticism of an otherwise stunning piece of design.

Interior
As a change from the Jaguar norm the asymmetric cabin features the firm's 'one plus one' layout, which uses distinctly different trim materials either side - the more technical finish is reserved for the driver. In a twist to the revolving air vents found in the XF, the top dashboard vents on the F-Type only reveal themselves in extreme conditions (or if the driver wants to show off to his/her mates). All models use an eight-speed Quickshift automatic gearbox, the joystick shaped SportShift selector offering manual control for those not wanting to use the steering wheel paddles.

Mechanicals
It's not all a break from tradition though as the F-Type uses aluminium for its structure (first used in the XK platform), though it is interspersed with even more lightweight materials and construction techniques including all-aluminium double wishbone front and rear suspension. The result is the F-Type tips the scales at 1,597kg.

But the big news here is the engines on offer. Two supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol units kick start the range, the 340hp version already seeing service in the XF and XJ saloons, with an exclusive-to-the-F-Type version offering 380hp and 460Nm of torque. That's enough to sprint from 0-100km/h in only 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is 275km/h. If you crave even more power the range-topping 5.0-litre V8 is the one to go for, knocking 0.6 seconds off the benchmark sprint and topping 300km/h.

We can also confidently say that it'll sound epic - both the V6 S and V8 S come with an active exhaust system. Curiously enough though the V8 uses an electronic limited slip differential, where the V6 S utilises a far more pleasing mechanical system - drifters you have been warned.

Anything else?
There are three models available: the F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type V8 S. Currently the only car on show is the roadster seen here, but given the CX-16 made its debut as a coupé it's a fair bet that we'll soon see a fixed roof version of the F-Type in showrooms.