Jaguar F-Type greets US, shows off range of personalization

Thu, 29 Nov 2012

While the debut of the XFR-S is likely fresh on everyone's minds and browser windows, the other big story of late at Jaguar is the F-Type coupe and convertible. Originally unveiled in Paris, the LA show was the first opportunity that the sub-XK performance machine will be seen Stateside. However, it was not just the same news that we first heard in Paris, as Jaguar used LA to showcase its newly available "Black" design pack.

This styling package includes gloss black finishes for the grill surround, side vents, a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, gloss black interior touches, and instrument panel rings. This package is available with Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Italian Racing Red, Rhodium Silver, Grey and Firesand (seen above) body colors.

The Black pack can be had on either the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 model, or the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 version. Specific additional "Black" tweaks are available based on which derivative you select. Specifically, a gloss-black rear valence is a V6-only modification.

Jaguar design chief Ian Callum shared his thoughts on the design pack: "For me, good automotive design should be about creating excitement, so being here in LA to witness the positive reaction to both the XFR-S and F-Type – two highly distinctive performance cars – is very satisfying."

No word yet on the pricing for this option pack or how many F-Types will be available in this configuration, but check out our galleries and read the press release below to see what this design pack is all about.

Two significant new Jaguars have made their debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The XFR-S saloon made its global debut at the Show. Unveiled by Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, the XFR-S is the fastest, most powerful and agile sports saloon Jaguar has ever built.

Developed by Jaguar Land Rover's specialist ETO division, the XFR-S features bespoke powertrain, chassis and body enhancements that enable it to push the performance boundaries. With 550PS from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine driving through an eight-speed Quickshift transmission, the XFR-S is capable of reaching 60mph in just 4.4-seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph.

On unveiling the car Adrian Hallmark commented:"Sporting character is evident in all Jaguar saloons. In the XFR-S that character has been amplified, the result being a truly engaging car with a combination of technical innovation, assertive design and staggering performance that will satisfy the most demanding of drivers."

Making its North American debut at the show was the F-TYPE - Jaguar's all-new two-seater sports car. Seen for the first time with special-order Firesand paintwork and equipped with optional 'Design' and both exterior and interior 'black' packs, this individual F-TYPE - a V6 S model - demonstrates the range of personalisation options that are available for customers.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, commented: "For me, good automotive design should be about creating excitement, so being here in LA to witness the positive reaction to both the XFR-S and F-TYPE - two highly distinctive performance cars - is very satisfying."

By George Kennedy