New F-Type Jaguar takes debut drive in Coventry

[dutchman]

Jaguar's most powerful sports car has ‘roared’ onto the roads of Coventry – as the eyes of the world watched its debut drive.



Crowds of car enthusiasts gathered at the Ricoh Arena today for an historic handover of the most eagerly-awaited Jaguar – the F-TYPE.

Fifty-nine dealers from across the UK travelled to Coventry to collect the keys to their two-seater sports car demonstrators before setting off in a convoy along the A444.

And, to make the event even more spectacular, all the cars were arranged in the shape of the letter F in the car park ahead of the handover.

The F-TYPE’s ‘spiritual successor’, the last Jaguar E-TYPE ever produced, was on display and also led the procession out onto the roads.

Designed and engineered in Coventry, and built in nearby Castle Bromwich, the two-seater Jag is one of the most highly-anticipated cars of the year, with its lightweight all-aluminium architecture, stunning design and finely-tuned driving dynamics.

The impressive vehicle comes with a starting price tag of over £58,000.

Coventry was chosen as host of the spectacular event due to its long history with the luxury car maker.

The city is now the global headquarters of the firm – employing thousands at its Whitley base.

Jeremy Hicks, managing director of Jaguar UK, said: “Ever since Jaguar unveiled the F-TYPE at the Paris Motor Show last September, enthusiasts all over the UK have been anticipating their first encounter with this exciting new sports car.

From today onwards they’ll have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary F-TYPE for themselves.”

He added: “Jaguar is synonymous with Coventry, so it is fitting that we conduct the ceremonial handover to the dealer network in the grounds of one of this great city’s landmarks.”

Liz Cooper, marketing director at the Ricoh Arena, said for many people it was their first glimpse of the Jaguar F-TYPE.

“There was great excitement for the ceremonial handover of the Jaguar F-TYPE and it was quite a sight to see the vehicles lined up in car park A before heading off,” she said.

“It has already been named 2013 World Car Design of the Year and it has caused quite a stir in the motoring world.

“Just two years ago we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-TYPE with a cavalcade, and the F-TYPE is to many people the successor of that sports car heritage.

“Jaguar Cars has been a fantastic supporter of the Ricoh Arena since it was built in 2005 and we wish them every success with their latest model.”

[dutchman]

Damian Lewis fronts Jaguar F-TYPE short film 'Desire'

Damian Lewis's Jaguar F-TYPE short film Desire has premiered online.

The 13-minute mini-feature was created by Ridley Scott Associates and also stars American actress Shannyn Sossamon and Jordi Mollà. Lana Del Rey wrote and performed the short's closing song 'Burning Desire'.

Desire, which takes place in Chile's Atacama Desert, sees Homeland star Lewis tasked with delivering a red two-seater Jaguar F-TYPE to a South American gangster.

The short film premiered today at the Sundance London film and music festival. Director Adam Smith described Desire's story as one of "betrayal, retribution, passion and greed".

"We were hugely excited when Jaguar approached us to work on this film, and with such a fantastic cast," Smith said. "For us, Sundance London is the perfect setting to screen 'Desire' to a global audience.

"Working with Damian, Shannyn and Jordi has genuinely been a privilege. To see actors of that calibre at work and to watch them contribute massively to the development of their own characters really brought them to life, which has all together made this an incredible film to be a part of."

'Video Games' singer Del Rey added: "Film has always been so precious to me and I'm so proud to be a part of what Jaguar have envisioned for their new car with Damian Lewis. Making art means making tough decisions.

"I do believe you create your own life path and that you will be rewarded for following your passions - and sticking to it. It's just good to know now, with people like Jaguar and working with them, that I'm not the only one out there with such strident, creative beliefs."