Jaguar F-Type channels E-Type legend

Though the initial F-Type teaser photos show a heavily disguised car, there are plenty of styling cues harking back to the 50-year old shape of the revered Jaguar E-Type - just look at the big open grille and that dramatic bulge in the bonnet.

Jaguar is arguably the most experienced of all car makers in the use of lightweight all-aluminium bodies. So it’s no surprise that the F-Type will build on the lessons learned in mass production work on this difficult to manage material. This will put the British sportscar on a diet to maximise its on-road nimbleness.

Significantly smaller than its brother the Jaguar XK, the new Jaguar F-Type will be initially be sold as a convertible, with a closed coupe likely to follow in the not-too-distant future. It will be purely a two-seater, with the occupants sitting well back in roadster fashion. Note the use of a soft-top rather than a folding hardtop, the soft roof being regarded as purer design.

Engines and transmissions are being kept secret at this stage, all Jaguar will tell us is that, “A range of petrol engines will be available – including a new powerplant family - and all will deliver stunning sports car performance,” The comment about the new powerplant family is interesting, perhaps suggesting the baby Jaguar will received an ultra-modern four-cylinder boosted unit to complement six-cylinder variants.

The Jaguar F-Type will go on sale in mid 2013 in the UK. As the Brits have the sense to have their steering wheel on the same side of the car as we do there’s a good chance Australian imports will be pretty close behind the UK cars on the assembly line. Here’s hoping..