Jaguar confirms F-Type as production name for innovative C-X16 concept (w/VIDEO)

F-Type was the name used for the critically acclaimed compact 2-seat concept shown by Jaguar in 2000. It was Jaguar’s answer to the Porsche Boxster and seemed the ideal route for the Coventry brand. But much to everyone’s disappointment, the concept was shelved.

Speaking at the New York auto show Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, confirmed: “We showed the C-X16 concept in September 2011, and the reaction to it has been so positive that we’ve accelerated our development of an all-new Jaguar sports car.

“That car will be called the F-Type, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year. 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 amongst our engineers and design team to produce a world-leader in a market segment that we have been absent from for too long. But no longer – the F-Type is coming.”

Utilising Jaguar’s industry-leading knowledge of all-aluminium construction, the F-Type will launch as a convertible, and a strict two-seater with the focus uncompromisingly on delivering driver reward.

A range of petrol engines will be available – including a new powerplant family – which Jaguar promises will deliver stunning sports car performance.

Today also marks the point that the F-Type’s rigorous development schedule moves to final on-road testing, with engineering prototypes now leaving Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant – the same plant at which the production cars will be built.

Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director said: “The engineering development of the F-Type has focused on delivering a heightened level of dynamic driving reward. We are excited about our progress to date and are looking forward to soon being able to demonstrate what we have achieved.”

Jaguar C-X16 Concept

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: “A true sports car needs to be pure in both its purpose and its form; to have the opportunity to produce such a car for Jaguar has been a privilege both for myself and for my team.

The C-type, D-type and E-type Jaguars were all sports cars that held true to this principle in their era, and the F-Type will hold true to that same principle in its time, a time that is soon to arrive.”

Jaguar’s new two-seater will likely cost between £55,000 to £70,000, positioned below the XK in the company’s line-up. The F-Type’s engine range will start with a 250bhp 3.0-litre V6, progressing up to a supercharged R version with close to 400bhp.

Full details of the F-Type’s specification and model range will be announced later this year, before going on sale in mid 2013.

Gallery