Author: ROBIN ROBERTS

The Jaguar F-TYPE two-seater will make its global debut in production form at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September.

The baby sportster will be launched as a convertible with a choice of three petrol engines: 340PS and 380PS versions of Jaguar’s all-new 3.0-litre supercharged V6, and a new derivative of its existing supercharged 5.0-litre V8. All will drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed transmission and will be equipped with Stop/Start technology.

The C-X16 concept for the new car appeared at the Frankfurt auto show in September and it was so positively received that the go-ahead for production was quickly given and hand-built prototypes were on the road this spring (pictured on the next page). A ‘camouflaged’ public exhibition drive was given to spectators at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June and it will go on sale for summer 2013.

• The F-Type will deliver stunning performance and showcase Jaguar’s engineering and design excellence.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, said: “The unveiling of the F-TYPE in Paris will be a truly significant day in Jaguar’s history as it will mark the company’s return to the sports car market, a market it originally helped to create. “As its sporting forebears did in their era, the F-TYPE will break new ground by delivering stunning sports car performance while vividly demonstrating Jaguar’s cutting-edge engineering technologies and world-class design excellence. The next step in Jaguar’s sporting bloodline is about to become reality.”

Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director, added: “When you are working on a Jaguar sports car the expectations of the world are huge. We’re really pleased how the attributes have translated from the virtual simulation work we’ve done into the physical world.

“Now, we’re refining and adding those last few percentage points – that true element of honing which the Jaguar test team are delivering – which will turn a great sports car into an exceptional one.” You can keep up to date with our business car news and check out any newcomers in our company car comparison guides.

• Click here to watch the video of the Jaguar F-Type caught in action