Jaguar F-Type convertible unveiled in Paris
Singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey, who was recently named as a Jaguar ambassador, performed a special song (written exclusively for a Ridley Scott-directed short film for Jaguar) at the unveiling of the new two seater sports convertible in front of a VIP audience at Paris's Musee Rodin.
Jaguar describe the new F-Type as a return to the company's heartland - two-seater, convertible sports cars focused on delivering performance, agility and maximum driver reward.
Three versions will be available - F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S. They are powered respectively by Jaguar's new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS (250kW) and 380PS (280kW) outputs and its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495PS (364kW).
Jaguar says the range-topping F-TYPE V8 S will reach 100kph in 4.3 seconds on to an electronically-limited top speed of 300kph. The V6 F-TYPE S will reach 100kph in 4.9 seconds and 275kph top speed, with the equivalent figures for the standard F-TYPE are 5.3 seconds and 260kph. An eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission is common to all variants.
Featuring an all-aluminium chassis and body structure, the front-engine rear-wheel drive F-TYPE is constructed around the fourth generation of Jaguar's acclaimed lightweight aluminium architecture using industry-first technology.
Visually, the F-TYPE's exterior demonstrates a new sports car design language, according to Jaguar, with cleaner lines delivered through the discreet use of technology such as deployable spoiler and door handles
Inside, the F-TYPE's interior features a driver-focused philosophy, with engaging controls encased in dramatic architecture. The driver focus is emphasised by the asymmetric 'one plus one' layout of the cabin. This is evidenced by the grab handle, which sweeps down the centre console on the passenger side, delineating it from the driver's position.
Unique technical grains tailor the trim materials, further differentiating the dual-cockpit cabin. Taking inspiration from aircraft cockpits, 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.
Jaguar's commitment to sustainability is evidenced by the fact that more than half the content of the F-TYPE comes from recycled metal. In addition, the new car's structure 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.
Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar comments: "Jaguar is a founder 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."
NOTE: Del Rey's Jaguar F-TYPE inspired song, entitled 'Burning Desire', is to be the soundtrack to a short film starring Emmy Award winning actor Damian Lewis, which will be created by Jaguar in association with Ridley Scott Associates. 'Burning Desire' will also feature on Del Rey's new album "Born To Die: The Paradise Edition".
