Jaguar reveals new 2014 F-Type convertible at Paris show

(September 28, 2012) PARIS — Jaguar revealed its new convertible sports car, the F-Type, at the Paris Motor Show. The 2014 F-Type represents a return to the company's heartland — a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on delivering performance, agility and maximum driver engagement.

The F-Type is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years. The focus on driver involvement and sporting performance in the F-Type is emphasized by the asymmetric layout of the cockpit.

This is evidenced by the grab handle, which sweeps down the center console on the passenger side, delineating it from the driver's position.

Taking inspiration from cockpits of fighter airplanes, the controls are ergonomically grouped by function. Further aeronautical inspiration can be found in the joystick-shaped SportShift selector controlling the eight-speed transmission. The air vents on top of the dashboard will only deploy when instructed to by either the driver or complex control algorithms, staying tucked discreetly out of sight in other circumstances.

There will be three F-Type models. The base F-Type will have a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 340 horsepower, the F-Type S will have the same engine with 380 horsepower, and the F-Type V8 S will have a 5.0-liter V8 with 495 horsepower. Each engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The company says the base F-Type will reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and top 161 mph. The V6 F-Type S will do the same in 4.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 171 mph.

Aluminum forms a great part of Jaguar's commitment to sustainability with more than half the content of the car coming from recycled metal. In addition, the structure of the F-Type is exclusively riveted and bonded - this manufacturing process emits up to 80 per cent less CO2 compared to that from welding a comparable steel structure. Jaguar is also rolling out its closed-loop recycling system to its suppliers, ensuring all offcuts of metal from the manufacturing process are reused.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar comments: "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."

The car was revealed in front of the 18th century Musée Rodin. Following the reveal, singer Lana Del Rey, pictured above with the F-Type, took to the stage and performed a new track "Burning Desire," that she has written as part of her collaboration with Jaguar for the launch of the F-Type.