Usually, it’s the hardtop that comes first, but Driving Fans isn’t complaining. The lovely new Jaguar F-Type will complete its model lineup shortly, when the coupe version debuts at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19. The aluminum-intensive F-Type is Jaguar’s jump back into the realm of serious, dedicated sports cars, and the convertible version showed that it was more than ready to compete with the Corvette and Porsche 911 on the track or the street.
The F-Type Coupe expands the hottest cat’s range into less ragtop-friendly climes, as well as providing a more track-friendly body style. Jaguar’s teaser photo doesn’t reveal just how much influence it will take from the iconic E-Type coupe, but it’s a sure bet that Jaguar hasn’t forgotten that car’s significance to its heritage. The Jaguar C-X16 concept of 2011 predicted the F-Type Coupe’s looks and design theme. According to Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, “The excitement generated when we revealed the C-X16 concept was terrific; so to now be on the cusp of what I can assure you will be a drama-filled reveal event in Los Angeles for F-TYPE Coupe is a very significant moment.”
Expect The F-Type Coupe to follow the same powertrain configurations as the convertible version, with 340 and 380-horsepower V6 engines as well as the range-topping 495-horse V8 S model. We’ll get the official details in a couple of weeks. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2014.
