Automotive

Jaguar debuts a "Firesand" orange F-Type in North America

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The F-TYPE line has three engine options, including a 5.0-liter supercharged V8
The Jaguar F-TYPE debuts in North America
The F-TYPE line has three engine options, including a 5.0-liter supercharged V8
The show car's interior features a Black pack
Jaguar was inspired by aeronautics in designing the driver controls
The F-TYPE's front fascia is defined by its "shark gill" openings
The mesh grille is interrupted by a bisecting bar
The F-TYPE is front-engined and rear-wheel drive
Jaguar describes the design as featuring two "heart lines"
In order to optimize weight distribution, Jaguar put the battery and wiper fluid tank in the trunk
The F-TYPE uses a deployable spoiler
Three versions will be offered: F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S
The central grab handle separates passenger from driver
The F-TYPE S features a 380-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6
Inside the F-TYPE
The door handles pop out only when you need to open the doors
The deployable door handles were designed to deliver a flush appearance
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
Studio shot of the Firesand show model
View gallery - 26 images

We learned all there is to know about the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE convertible at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. To add a little excitement to the North American debut of the car at last week's L.A. Auto Show, however, Jaguar showed its newest drop-top in a set of bright orange duds.

Jogging your memory quickly, the F-TYPE is the spiritual successor to the E-TYPE, one of the most iconic and visually-stunning cars of all time. While the convertible may or may not fill the monstrous boots of its predecessor, it is a dynamic two-seater in its own right. With nearly 500-hp on tap in its most powerful S tune, the F-TYPE's 3,521 pounds (1,597 kg) fire off to 60 mph (95.6 km/h) in as little as 4.2 seconds.

The model that Jaguar showed in L.A. is the 380-hp V6-powered S version with special-order Firesand paint. It also features the optional Design pack, with body-colored side sill extensions, front aero splitter and gloss black color-keyed rear valance, along with interior and exterior Black packs, which add gloss black accents and trim inside and out.

We've already covered the F-Type in depth, so we won't list off its specs all over again. The big story here is that it has made it to North America and has a new set of "Firesand" clothes to show for it. It will go on sale toward the middle of next year.

In order to optimize weight distribution, Jaguar put the battery and wiper fluid tank in the trunk

I wasn't the biggest fan of the F-Type when I first saw photos of it. So maybe it was the bright lights of the show, or my weary, sleep-deprived eyes, but it looked a helluva lot better in person. The Firesand color suits it well, in my opinion. Decide if you agree or disagree by taking a look at our full gallery.

Source: Jaguar

View gallery - 26 images
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1 comment
Rocky Stefano
Bottom line. The interior of this car makes it a deal breaker.