Cat out of the bag

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Jaguar's latest roadster is an E-Type for the new century, reports DAVID LINKLATER.

Jaguar has revived the spirit of its most famous sports car with a concept which is almost certain to go into production. The new roadster, a spiritual successor to the much-loved E-Type, was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show as the F-Type Concept.

The F-Type thrusts Jaguar firmly back into contention as a maker of serious sports cars. Deceptively compact, it has a similar wheelbase to the original E-Type but much shorter overhangs. It's 600mm shorter than Jaguar's own XK8, and not much longer overall than the Mazda MX-5.

The design team was led by XJ220 designer Keith Helflet - first under the direction of Jaguar design boss Geoff Lawson, who died suddenly in June last year, then Ian Callum, who has dedicated the F-Type to Lawson's memory.

The F-Type grew out of another Helflet Jaguar concept, the XK180, a cut-down XK8 convertible which did the rounds of motor shows last year. The F-Type shares many of that car's styling elements, including its wheel-at-each-corner stance and wraparound windscreen.

The F-Type's 3-litre V6 engine is borrowed from the S-Type sedan and drives the rear wheels. However, Jaguar bosses say that little engineering has been completed for the car and that a variety of powerplants could be accommodated under the concept's long nose. The engine is set well back in the chassis, resulting in a perfect 50-50 weight distribution.

The F-Type has been designed with 240km/h-plus capability in mind, thanks to racing car-style aerodynamic aids. A splitter at the front and a diffuser at the rear aid high-speed stability without compromising the baby Jaguar's sleek looks.

The interior pays homage to traditional British sports cars with an array of toggle switches, but still manages to look purposeful and modern, with extensive use of alloy fittings.

Jaguar remains coy about production plans for the F-Type, but industry commentators point to the popularity of the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster - both potential rivals - and the British company's long history of turning sports car concepts into production reality. The 1938 SS100, 1948 XK120 and 1988 XJ220 were all motor show stars that went into production.

Many details would have to change to allow the F-Type to take to the road. Bumpers would have to be added, and the racing-style wraparound windscreen would need to be replaced by a more conventional design - not to mention the need for a roof of some kind. But it's no coincidence that the F-Type contains the essentials for a fine return to sports car form for Jaguar.