Jaguar Confirms F-Type Sports Car

Tata Motors Ltd.'s Jaguar unit has confirmed plans to introduce a new F-Type sports car inspired by the C-X16 concept it revealed at last year's Frankfurt auto show.

The F-Type convertible, a spiritual successor to Jaguar's iconic E-Type from the 1960s and 1970s, is due in mid-2013. Jaguar told reporters at the New York auto show last week it has begun final road tests of the car, which will be produced at Castle Bromwich, England.

Details about the two-seater, which Jaguar describes as its first true "focused" sports car since the E-Type, have not been released. But reports say the F-Type will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds and achieve a top speed of at least 180 mph. The car is expected to be positioned below the Jaguar XK to compete with the Porsche Boxster sports car.

The C-X16, which Jaguar described as a "production concept," was designed to support a range of powertrains, including a V-8. The car was shown with a hybrid powertrain that included an eight-speed automatic transmission and 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 375 hp.

Media reports have speculated that the F-Type may debut with a supercharged, 350-hp version of the V-6.