Jaguar to add sports car to U.S. lineup in 2013
F-Type convertible inspired by C-X16 concept
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A new Jaguar two-seater -- the F-Type convertible -- will join the automaker's U.S. lineup next year, the company said Wednesday at the New York auto show.
The F-Type is based on the C-X16 concept that Jaguar introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.
Jaguar said Wednesday reaction to the concept has been so positive that it accelerated development of the all-new sports car.
A production version will be unveiled later this year and it will go on sale in mid-2013.
The United States, the biggest sports car market, will be a prime target for sales, the company said.
It will join the XF sports sedan, XJ luxury sedan and XK coupe/convertible in Jaguar showrooms while helping boost the automaker's U.S. volume, which has climbed 33 percent this year to 3,328 units through March.
A range of engines will be offered, including a new powerplant family, Jaguar said. Like the larger and similar-looking XK, the F-Type will feature all-aluminum construction.
Jaguar said it has started final on-road testing of the car near its Castle Bromwich plant in England, where the car will be built.
"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," said Ian Callum, design director for Jaguar.
The car is expected to be a spiritual successor to the convertible Jaguar E-type, which was produced between 1961 and 1975.
The E-type is considered by many automobile enthusiasts to be one of most beautiful cars ever produced.
The F-Type will will feature a two-seat configuration with a convertible top. Engine specs were not revealed, but the car is expected to sprint to 60 mph in less than five seconds with a top speed of more than 180 mph.
"We've been away from the segment, and now were back in style," said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar brand director.
You can reach David Phillips at dphillips@crain.com.
