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Jaguar F-Type Coupe proves sexy can't be disguised

Jaguar's new F-Type is a pretty potent little pouncer. And while we do love a good roadster, many of us at Autoblog are perhaps more excited about the upcoming hardtop version of Jag's stylish new entry-level sports car. Why? Because even here in heavily camouflaged prototype form, the thing looks really, really good - the sleek roofline blending rather nicely into the F-Type's shapely rump, allowing for better distinction of its pronounced hips over the rear wheel wells.
Mechanically speaking, the F-Type Coupe should be identical to its droptop sibling. That means the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engine lineup should carry over unchanged, though we've heard rumors about a four-cylinder application as well. There's also talk of hotter R, R-S or R-S GT models coming down the pipeline, and based on what we've experienced in things like the XKR-S, we certainly can't deny the allure of such a model.
It's unclear exactly when Jaguar will show the production F-Type Coupe (at the Frankfurt Motor Show, perhaps?), but the car is expected to go on sale sometime in 2014. Check it out in our latest spy gallery, above.

Watch Jaguar build its XJR Rapid Response Vehicle for Bloodhound SSC

Last month, Jaguar revealed an F-Type specially equipped to serve as a Rapid Response Vehicle for the Bloodhound SSC. Now it's rolled out a pair of XJRs kitted out for the same purpose. Set to debut when test pilot Andy Green drives one up the hill at Goodwood later this month, the Jaguar XJR Rapid Response Vehicle has been equipped by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division. As you can see, it's got a special livery of blue and orange to mimic the rocket- and jet-powered streamliner's own color scheme, and has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage and specially crafted tools for the land speed record attempt. Of course, the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 carries over with its 550 horsepower to propel it to 60 in 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 174 miles per hour. Alongside the F-Type – which recently undertook a parachute deployment test – the pair of XJR Rapid Response Vehicles will be on hand in South Africa when the Bloodhound attempts to break the land speed record as well as the sound barrier on dry land. Check out the build process in the video. Jaguar Rapid Response Vehicles for Bloodhound SSC to Star at Goodwood Festival of Speed - Bespoke Jaguar XJR Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for Bloodhound SSC to make dynamic world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed - Current world land speed record holder Andy Green to drive the 16MY XJR RRV up the Goodwood hill on Saturday 27 June 2015 - Bloodhound's RRV Fleet now includes two XJRs and an F-TYPE custom-built by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Operations team - Jaguar's history in supporting world land speed records dates back to 1983 with an XJ12 for Richard Noble's record attempt in Thrust 2 Jaguar is to further showcase its commitment as Technical and Innovation Partner to the Bloodhound Project with the world debut of its custom-built XJR Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) at Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside the recently unveiled F-TYPE R AWD RRV. One of two XJRs being provided for the record attempts will be on show at the festival and will also take part in the First Glance hill run on Saturday 27 June 2015 with current world land speed record holder and Bloodhound SSC driver Andy Green at the wheel. The two new additions to Bloodhound's fleet are the latest creation of Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division and are wrapped in a bespoke livery created by Jaguar Design incorporating the Bloodhound SSC colours.

Jaguar C-X17 crossover concept revealed, hides new lightweight aluminum architecture

Just as Jaguar teased earlier this month, the luxury marque is debuting its first-ever sports crossover concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, which begins this week. In addition to previewing what a soft-roading Jag might look like, the C-X17 concept also showcases the brand's new advanced unibody aluminum architecture, which it calls the future of its brand.
The British automaker touts the new technical foundation as high-strength, lightweight and extremely stiff, and notes that it incorporates sustainable technologies such as a high-strength alloy made from recycled raw material. The architecture's flexibility means Jaguar will be able to simultaneously manufacture several vehicles on the same production line - a change that will ultimately help the automaker grow its product portfolio.
Indeed, if the C-X17 concept sees production, it would represent a completely new direction for Jaguar, which has previously focused on luxury sedans and sports cars. However, while Jaguar says a range of future models will be built using the new architecture, it hasn't yet mentioned a crossover. The first model to be built on the new underpinnings will launch globally in 2015, and it's - you guessed it - a premium midsize sedan.