The teasing stops: Here's all you need to know about the Jaguar F-TYPE (w/VIDEO)

Without further ado, let’s get stuck in to the detail of the all-new F-TYPE. There will be three variants available at launch – F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S. Each is distinguished by the power output of its supercharged petrol engine with all engines featuring stop/start technology to maximise efficiency.

A completely new 3.0-litre V6 engine, developed from Jaguar’s 5.0-litre V8, is available in either 335bhp or 375bhp variants, powering the F-TYPE and F-TYPE S respectively. Both of these V6 variants exhibit the same free-revving, willing nature that encourages the enthusiastic driver to explore the full extent of the engines’ abilities.

The V6 models are joined by a newly developed member of Jaguar’s V8 engine family. Producing 488bhp and 625Nm of torque in the F-TYPE V8 S model. Jaguar has chosen to emphasise this flagship F-TYPE by its torque-to-weight ratio, which is no less than 375Nm/tonne.

The F-TYPE V8 S will accelerate to 62mph in 4.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph while emitting 259g/km of CO2.

The 375bhp V6 F-TYPE S covers the 0-62mph sprint in 4.9 seconds, reaches an electronically limited top speed of 171mph and produces CO2 emissions of 213g/km. While the 335bhp V6 F-TYPE accelerates from zero to 62mph 5.3 seconds, reaches 161mph flat out and emits just 209g/km of CO2.

The 488bhp Jaguar V8 S. Note the quad exhaust pipes and upswept rear diffuser.

An active exhaust system, which is standard on the S and V8 S models, uses valves in the exhaust system which open under load from 3000rpm – the subsequent exhaust note builds to a thrilling crescendo at the redline, while under 3000rpm the F-TYPE provides more a stately calm when cruising.

A closely-spaced 8-speed auto transmission is fitted to the F-TYPE, with sporting ratios in its Quickshift transmission, giving greater control to the driver. The V6-powered S model also includes a Dynamic Launch feature, which optimises the F-TYPE’s acceleration from rest.

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Taking its inspiration from the C-X16 concept unveiled in 2011, the front of the F-TYPE features a new interpretation of the bold angular Jaguar grille from which flows the muscular clamshell bonnet with its signature ‘power bulge’.

The all important heartline begins its journey in the blade dissecting the shark-like gills on either side of the grille before leading the eye to the top of the front wing, emphasised by the bi-xenon headlamp and integral LED daytime running lights, into the door and towards the rear of the car where it gracefully disappears.

The V6-engined Jaguar F-TYPE S comes with either 335bhp or 375bhp powerplants.

At the rear, the F-TYPE’s muscular rear haunches sweep dramatically round into a low tail, made possible by the inclusion of an active rear spoiler which deploys at speed to reduce lift by up to 120kg.

Full LED rear lamps reinterpreting classic cues from the past, emphasising the powerful stance of the car.

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Inside the F-TYPE the focus on driver involvement, emphasised by the unusual the ‘one plus one’ layout of the asymmetric cabin. This is demonstrated by the grab handle which sweeps down the centre console on the passenger side, delineating it from the driver’s position, while the use of different trim materials either side of the cabin further differentiates the two seating positions.

Jaguar has moved away from the circular controller for the eight-speed transmission, replacing it with a more conventional joystick-shaped SportShift selector. Air vents on top of the dashboard only deploy when instructed to by either the driver or F-TYPE’s climate control system, staying tucked discreetly out of sight when not in use.

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The engineering ethos underpinning the F-TYPE is centred on Jaguar’s expertise in the use of aluminium. Featuring the most advanced iteration of Jaguar’s rigid and lightweight aluminium architecture to date, the F-TYPE has a balanced weight distribution that takes advantage of a new, lighter, aluminium front subframe.

The V6-engined Jaguar F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S.

In order to maximise the benefits of its advanced structure, the F-TYPE features all-aluminium double wishbones front and rear and a quick-ratio steering rack for responsive and dynamic driving. Jaguar claim rigidity gains of more than 30% compared to other cars in the range, providing the stiffest possible underpinnings to achieve class-leading levels of ride and handling.

So, how much does the F-TYPE cost? The 335bhp V6 starts at £58,500 in the UK, rising to £67,500 for the F-TYPE S, with the 488bhp V8 S coming in at £79,950. Order books are now open, with first customer deliveries expected from mid-2013 in the UK

Before we can judge whether those prices are competitive, we’ll need to know more about the F-TYPE’s kerb weight and standard levels of equipment. We’ll bring you more details during the next few says.

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