Updated: The release date for the Jaguar F-Type has been revealed, with UK customer order books opening on 20 April, 2013.
Jaguar claims it has already received more than 500 pre-orders for the F-Type, while Jaguar dealers have received thousands of 'keep me informed' requests from potential customers.
The new F-Type price starts at €68,440 for the 3.0 V6 model. The V6 S costs €78,980 and the 5.0 V8 costs €93,540.
Brand director Adrian Hallmark has previously defended Jaguar's F-Type price, telling Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show in March: "For the money there is nothing that can do what the F-Type does in terms of performance, design and technology. In fact, if you look at the Porsche Boxster S, it's possible to exceed our entry price for the F-Type if you fit a PDK box and add a few extras."
We'll be publishing our first review of the new F-Type on April 17, but we have already had a ride in the car, with Jaguar's chief test engineer Mike Cross behind the wheel. Check it out, including our exclusive F-Type video.
The F-Type was first seen at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, revealing a front-end that was familiar with the rest of the Jaguar range.
“The grille is evolved from the XJ and XF – the first iteration of the F-Type had an oval one, but I wanted continuity in the range,” Jaguar’s chief designer, Ian Callum told us
At the rear, you’ll find a striking pair of narrow tail-lights – a clear nod towards the E-Type – and a pop-up spoiler that deploys automatically.
“The rear spoiler pops up at 60mph with the Jaguar name on it. We needed the Jaguar name to be more prominent to promote the brand in China and the US,” Callum explained.
The interior is more driver-focused than any previous Jaguar - like a cockpit is how Callum describes it.
So a grab-handle protrudes from the centre-console on the passenger side. The gearstick and toggle switch for Dynamic mode take inspiration from a fighter jet, while the bank of switches below the air-con dials is another aeronautical reference.
Another distinctive feature is the air vent that rises up from the top of the dashboard only when required.
Jaguar F-type engines
Three models will be available from launch, each with a different engine. The F-Type and F-Type S are both powered by a new 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine, producing 335bhp and 375bhp respectively. The range-topping F-Type V8 S crams a 488bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under the bonnet.
All models are fitted with stop-start and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the V6-powered S model gets a launch-control function.
That allows it to cover 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 171mph, while returning 31mpg and emitting 213g/km of CO2. The entry-level F-Type takes 5.3 seconds to go from 0-62mph, tops out at 161mph and returns 31.4mpg and 209g/km. Way out in front is the F-Type V8 S, taking 4.3 seconds to do 0-62mph, with a top speed of 186mph. Even so, it will return 25.5mpg and emit 259g/km of CO2.
An active exhaust, optional on the base F-Type and standard on the two S models, opens a set of valves above 3,000rpm so you can hear the V6 or V8 engine on full song. Select the Dynamic mode – which sharpens throttle response, increases steering weight, speeds up the gearbox, firms up the suspension and widens the ESP’s electronic safety net – and the exhaust valves stay open all the time.
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