The highly anticipated newJaguar F-TYPE has been unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show??.. The two-seat convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement is offered in three models namely the F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S. The front engine, rear-wheel drive F-TYPE is constructed with Jaguar’s fourth generation lightweight aluminium architecture.

New Jaguar F-TYPE delivers impressive performnace

Engine Capability

The new Jaguar F-Type is fitted with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that produces 335kW and 450Nm of torque. This model accelerates to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260km/h. The F-TYPE S is also fitted with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 but this version produces 375kW and 460Nm of torque. The F-TYPE S will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 275km/h.

The F-TYPE V8 S is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that produces 488kW and 624Nm of torque. The F-TYPE V8 S accelerates to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300km/h. All models are fitted with an 8-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission as well as the new Intelligent Stop/Start system which offers improved fuel economy under certain urban driving conditions.

Exterior Styling

The new Jaguar F-TYPE design is sinuous, muscular and elegant. Two ‘heartlines’, in two bold strokes, define both the profile and top-down view of the new Jaguar F-TYPE. The sleek rear-end is made possible with the inclusion of an active rear spoiler that raises and lowers depending on speed. Other aerodynamic aids include a front splitter and sculpted rear valance.

The xenon headlights run vertically rather than horizontally and the J-Blade Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) emphasise the ‘heartline’ running through the lamp. The mesh grille with hexagonal design leans slightly forward to suggest motion when the car is stationary. The rear-end features full LED rear lamps creating a new Jaguar sports car signature.

The new Jaguar F-TYPE also features hidden, automatically deploying door handles that are activated by either unlocking the car with the key fob or touching a touch-sensitive area of the handle. The convertible soft-top folds in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 48km/h.

??Interior Styling

The new Jaguar F-Type features an asymmetric cabin layout with a focus on the driver. A small diameter three-spoke steering wheel is available in a flat-bottomed design as part of an optional Performance Pack. The Tachometer features larger numerals than those on the speedometer for enhanced visibility while shifting. A TFT LCD screen between the dials provides further information for the driver.

Switches are finished in soft-feel matte black with white markings for legibility and are accented with satin chrome and aluminium. The sports seats feature power recline and height adjustment with manual control. Performance seats can be ordered with additional side bolstering for extra support. Two audio options from Meridian are available for the new Jaguar F-TYPE and offer either 10 or 12 speakers with power outputs of 380 watts and 770 watts. The top of the range Meridian Trifield System places both occupants at the centre of the perfectly focused surround sound field.

The new Jaguar F-Type can be expected in South Africa in the second half of 2013 and prices will be made available closer to its South African launch.