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Jaguar Dusts Off the F-Type Concept

The exciting concept from 2000 could see the light of day under new ownership

Jaguar Dusts Off the F-Type Concept

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

Jaguar's ownership is in transition from Ford (F) to Indian carmaker Tata (TTM), and the switch promises to breathe much-needed life into the storied British brand. The F-Type concept debuted to acclaim at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show but was shelved shortly afterward. Under Tata, the concept is getting a second look.

The F-Type concept is an unabashed nod to the marque's classic E-Type, which was on the market from 1961 to 1974. How would Jaguar position a production version of the F-Type? Industry pundits seem to think it could compete with Porsche's 911 sports car. But designers would have to straighten out a few crucial details, primarily deciding on which underlying engineering platform to build the car. The aluminum platform of Ford's existing XK is light—a boon for a performance-oriented sports car—but more expensive to manufacture than the new-for-2009 XF sedan's heavier, steel platform.

What's probably not up for debate is Jaguar's new styling. Unlike this version of the F-Type, a production model would resemble the XK with a so-called Spitfire Wing grille, featuring a single crossbar with a centrally mounted Jaguar logo. It's a motif that chief designer Ian Callum has made mandatory for all future Jaguar sports car designs.

The Verdict: The F-Type looks great in theory. An infusion of capital from Tata could make the tantalizing idea a reality.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.

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