Jaguar reveals F-Type

The two-seater roadster, dangerously close to being billed as ‘the next E-Type’, seems to be more about looking forwards than backwards – with hi-tech features like fold-out door handles and a deployable rear spoiler that can reduce lift by up to 120kg.

Naturally, a luxurious interior makes an appearance too – borrowing a few bits and pieces from the XJ saloon, albeit inside a sportier, more driver-focussed cabin.

The range will start with a ‘basic’ 3.0-litre V6 at £58,500, outputting 335bhp and getting the all-aluminium F-Type to 60mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 161mph.

Next is a V6 S at £67,500, with some 40bhp more to play with at 375bhp – hitting 60mph in 4.8 seconds, and going on to 171mph. Jaguar reckons this should be a strong seller in Europe, combining a raunchy soundtrack with a not-at-all-bad 31mpg on the combined cycle.

Topping the range is the £79,950 F-Type V8 S. Thanks to a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine already well used in Jag’s range, the F-Type V8 S has 488bhp – 15bhp less over the XF-R from which it’s borrowed.

It’s no layabout though, with 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 186mph being the headlining figures. With larger bonnet vents and quad exhaust pipes, it looks as fast as it goes too.

As for the lack of Jaguar’s ubiquitous ‘disappearing’ gear knob-slash-dial, don’t get too excited – the F is automatic-only for now, albeit with a more conventional lever for your left hand to get acquainted with.

Is there a manual version on the cards? Sadly it hasn’t been confirmed – nor has the possibility of a coupe version, or indeed an ‘R’ super-performance model.

Customers can place their orders from today with the first deliveries starting mid-2013.