Yahoo News Jaguar Launches New F-Type Sports Car
Nearly 40 years after Jaguar ceased production of its iconic E-type sports car, the firm finally unveils its F-type successor at the Paris Motor Show today.
The long-awaited launch of the petrol-powered convertible sees the marque looking to re-establish itself in the luxury sports car market, after the E-type ended production in 1975.
The new all-aluminium two-seater model with a deployable spoiler comes after the firm, owned by India's giant Tata Motors, displayed the C-X16 concept car last September.
Ralf Speth, chief executive, Jaguar Land Rover, told Jeff Randall Live: "(It) is an exciting day for the company.
"The F-Type will be a pure performance machine, it will be very successful on the market."
The firm constructed engineering prototypes at its Castle Bromwich plant ahead of production of three types, powered by either a 3-litre supercharged V6 or a 5-litre supercharged V8.
Jaguar's attempt at reclaiming a role in the sports car sector follows famous forerunners, especially in the post-war era.
The E-type was identified by an elongated engine bay and was capable of holding a giant V12 engine.
The car appeared in a swathe of films during the swinging 1960s and the glam-rock '70s.
It also had a starring role in the spy spoof Austin Powers trilogy starring Mike Myers.
Global brand director Adrian Hallmark said: "Jaguar is a founder member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching back over 75 years."
The new sports car is a key part of an investment project worth £5bn, started last year by Jaguar Land Rover to release around 40 "new products" by 2017.
Mr Speth also explained that even if global expansion is part of the firm's prospects, the UK remained its priority.
He said: "It's clear that we have to increase our global footprint, we have started production in India and will start production in China when it gets authorised by the government.
We are a British company and are committed to the UK, it will always be our focus."
