Jaguar F-Type Roadster Teased, Production Debut In Late 2012

Enough with the rumours and reports, Jaguar's long-anticipated F-Type roadster is almost upon us - and this thinly-veiled concept is our first look at the new topless Jag.

Wrapped nose-to-tail in effed-up camouflage, Jaguar revealed today that the F-Type's styling will draw on the look of last year's C-X16 coupe concept.

While the finer details are tricky to make out, it is clear that the coupe's vertical headlight design and wide new grille will transfer to the F-Type, along with the long slim tail-lights and tall rear guards.

Without the slope of the coupe's C-pillar, the F-Type roadster will adopt Jaguar's familiar long rear deck, and a single pair of centre-mounted exhaust tips will replace the quad cannons of the C-X16 concept.

"The reaction [to the C-X16] has been so positive that we've accelerated our development of an all-new Jaguar sports car," Jaguar Global Brand Director, Adrian Hallmark, said.

"That car will be called the F-Type, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year. The core appeal of Jaguar's cars is their sporting heart, and that heart will beat stronger than ever before in the F-Type," he added.

Technical information for the F-Type has yet to be revealed.

In concept form, the C-X16 coupe is powered by a 280kW/450Nm supercharged 3.0 litre V6, paired with a 70kW/235Nm KERS-like system that delivers its additional boost via a steering-mounted "Push to Pass" button.

While the F-Type has been confirmed for a late 2012 production debut (confirmation that has been more than four years in the offing), it is unclear if it will be joined by a production version of the C-X16 coupe.

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