The 2000 Jaguar F-Type Concept, designed by Keith Helfet was unveiled at the Detroit show. Positioned below the larger XK Coupe and Convertible, the F-Type's sensuous design sparked positive press and widespread demand. Anticipation soared when Jaguar announced production plans in early 2001, offering hope for a successor to the legendary E-Type.
Measuring 4115 mm in length, 1792 mm in width, and 1090 mm in height, the F-Type represented the smallest Jaguar in 40 years. Its design paid homage to the iconic E-Type, featuring convex contours, teardrop-shaped headlights, an oval radiator grille, and a distinctly upturned rear with round lights. Although shorter front and rear overhangs and modern adjustments were made, the F-Type retained the E-Type's timeless charm.
The roadster showcased a single structure for the front part of the body, comprising fenders, hood, bumper, and radiator grille that folded forward reminiscent of the E-Type. The chassis, developed specifically for the F-Type, prepared to accommodate the AJ-V6 engine with 240 to 300 horsepower, offering a manual or automatic gearbox. While the base version was expected to be rear-wheel drive, an all-wheel-drive variant might follow.
Notably, the F-Type lacked a roof, even a soft convertible top, during its debut in Detroit. Although details about a future roof solution were sparse, optimism surrounded the potential success of the F-Type, with Ford aiming to increase Jaguar's annual production to 100,000 cars. The roadster represented a pivotal moment for Jaguar, aiming to rekindle the brand's sporting spirit and compete with German roadsters.
While comparisons to the E-Type were inevitable, the success of the F-Type remained uncertain as it sought to carve a niche in the global automotive hierarchy. The Premier Automotive Group, led by Wolfgang Riezl, brought renewed focus to Jaguar's sports car ambitions. The S-Type sedan's recent success fueled optimism, with the F-Type poised to capture the attention of enthusiasts if it materialized in dealer showrooms by 2002.
Despite the F-Type's promising debut and positive reception, the production plans took an unexpected turn in May 2002, as Jaguar abandoned the production plans, leaving the potential for a long-running hit unfulfilled. The F-Type Concept found its place at the Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust in Coventry, England, embodying a moment of anticipation and possibility that ultimately did not materialize.
Source: www.thecarconnection.com; Autoreview No. 03, 2000 - M. KADAKOV, In Search of the Lost
Images: JAGUAR CARS LTD.
