The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show was home to Jaguar->ke39's debut of the C-X16 Concept and since the market's reaction was so positive, the company has decided to offer a production version. After a long period of teasing, the new Jaguar F-Type->ke1224 has officially been unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

The model will be offered in three different trim levels: F-Type, F-Type S, and F-Type V8 S. It will also come with a choice of two engines: a 3-liter supercharged V6 and a 5.0 liter V8 engine. The V6 version delivers 340 or 380 HP, depending on the trim level, while the V8 is only being offered in a 495 HP version. The F-Type was built on the most advanced rigid and lightweight aluminum architecture and with a total weight of just 3,521 lbs, it can hit speeds of up to 186 mph.

"Jaguar is a founding member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years, and in the F-TYPE we’ve reignited that flame. The F-TYPE isn’t designed to be like anyone else’s sports car. It’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive," said Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar.

2013 Jaguar F-Type Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Jaguar F-Type Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 495
  • Torque: 460 @ 2500
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Jaguar F-Type takes most of its design elements from the C-X16 Concept. The front fascia features a very cool grille with a "hearline" theme on the shark-like gills. The headlights run vertically rather than horizontally, which leads the eye naturally up and along the fender crease. These headlamps are offered with compact xenon units and J-Blade LED running lights. The taillights also feature LED technology and a very cool active rear spoiler that deploys at specific speeds to reduce aerodynamic lift. The spoiler rises when the F-TYPE reaches 60 mph and then lowers to fit flush when the speed drops below 40 mph.

Customers will distinguish the V6 and V8 models just by looking at the exhaust systems. The V6 models will be offered with twin center outlets, while the V8 models will feature four outboard-mounted exhaust outlets, with twin outlets on each side.

Other distinctive features on the V6 models include: satin black trim elements in the grilles, vents, front splitter and rear valance, as well as a set of standard 18" alloy wheels. The S models will get gloss-black finishes and standard 19" and 20" wheels standard for the S and V8 S, respectively. The V8 S models will also receive front vanes beneath the shark gills and flat side sill extensions to manage airflow.

To enter the car, you'll have to find the hidden door handles support first. They can be activated by either unlocking the car with the key fob or touching a touch-sensitive area of the handle.

Lightweight Aluminum Architecture

Jaguar is famous for their use of aluminum body structures, but the new F-Type uses the most advanced rigid and lightweight aluminum architecture to date. Special AC300, a 6000-series aluminum alloy, was used to deliver 80% CO2 less than a comparable steel structure, while an AC600 aluminum panel alloy was used in order to deliver the desired design language.

This aluminum structure combined with all-aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspensions not only contribute to the lightweight of the vehicle - it comes in at just 3,521 lbs - but it also helps deliver an ideal balance, which enhances the agility demanded of a pure sports car.

Another distinctive feature of the F-Type is its beautiful clamshell hood made using a 1,000-ton press. This process helps deliver both the design and structural integrity needed. The metal was heated to 500°F (260°C) before pressing. As a result, the desired shape and structure are achieved from one large pressing rather than numerous smaller ones, reducing complexity and weight.

Interior

The new F-Type was designed as a 2-seater model, with most of the attention being focused on the driver. All of the controls are placed at an angle that is natural for the driver's hand and are logically grouped, allowing maximum attention on the driving experience.

Customers will have the possibility to choose between a very wide list of finishes, including an "Ignis" orange finish, similar to the one used on the markings of professional divers’ watches for the V8 S models. This color will be used on the the Engine Start button, steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles, and Dynamic Mode toggle.

An optional Performance Pack will offer a very cool small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel in a flat-bottom design. This will allow the driver to any information needed from a TFT LCD screen placed between the two dials, while a display screen within the two dials indicates temperature and mode.

The F-Type is offered with standard sports seats, but special performance seats can be ordered with additional side bolstering for greater support during high-force cornering.

There are also two audio systems from premium British audio experts Meridian to choose from: 10 or 12 speakers with outputs of 380 watts and 770 watts, respectively.

Engine

The new Jaguar F-Type will be offered with a choice of two engines: a 3-liter supercharged V6 used for the F-Type and F-Type S models and a 5-liter supercharged V8 used for the F-Type V8 S version. Both engines are offered with the company's new Intelligent Stop/Start system that allows better fuel economy in certain urban driving conditions.

The base model is the Jaguar F-Type. It is powered by a supercharged V6 engine that delivers a total of 340 HP and 332 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 161 mph. It will also go from 50 to 75 mph in just 3.3 seconds.

Next on the line-up, there's the F-Type S. It gets a more powerful version of the V6: 380 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. This version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 171 mph. It will go from 50 to 75 mph in just 3.1 seconds.

The top version is the F-Type V8 S. It gets a 5.0 liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 495 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque produced over the 2,500-5,500 rpm. The extra power will allow the model to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and hit an incredible top speed of 186 mph. It will also go from 50 to 75 mph in just 2.5 seconds.

These engines will be mated to an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission, specifically tuned by Jaguar for the F-type to prioritize acceleration. There is also an optional Active Exhaust system which enhances the exhaust note.

For those opting for track-driving activities, the S models can also be ordered with Dynamic Launch Mode and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Depending on the version, Jaguar will also offer three different types of braking systems. The standard F-Type is offered with the Jaguar Performance system with 13.9-inch (354mm) front and 12.8-inch (325mm) rear brake discs with silver painted calipers. In the S version, the front gets larger 15-inch (380mm) brake discs.

The F-Type V8 S model is offered with a Super High Performance system with the largest set of brake discs fitted as standard to a Jaguar production car: 15-inch (380mm) front and 14.8-inch (376mm) rear.

F-TYPE F-TYPE S F-TYPE V8 S Engine 3.0-litre V6 3.0-liter V6 5.0-litre V8 Horse Power 340 HP 380 HP 495 HP Peak torque 332 ft-lbs @ 3,500-5,500 rpm 339 ft-lbs @ 3,500-5,500 rpm 460 ft-lbs @ 2,500-5,500 rpm 0 to 60 mph 5.1 seconds 4.8 seconds 4.2 seconds Top Speed 161 mph 171 mph 186 mph

Prices

The Jaguar F-TYPE will arrive on the U.S. market in Summer 2013. Prices are as follows:

Model Price F-TYPE $69,000 F-TYPE S $81,000 F-TYPE V8 S $92,000 Get your fill of options by checking out the online configurator.

Competition

Porsche Boxster

The Boxster has just entered its new generation and comes with an improved exterior look and a more powerful engine. Customers will have to choose between a 2.7 liter flat-six that delivers a total of 265 HP or a 3.4 liter version with 315 HP.

BMW Z4

Things are a little bit different with the Z4. There are no major updates planned just yet, but it is still a very competitive car. The Z4 has a smooth motor, wonderful handling, great looks, and top notch build quality. There are three models to choose from: sDrive30i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is.


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