Jaguar F-type (2013) first official picture

Jaguar has let slip the first official picture of its highly anticipated F-type. It comes just weeks ahead of the car's true debut at the 2012 Paris motor show.

This is the first time the production F-type has been seen in the nude, without its cosy camouflage blanket to shield its sleek silhouette.

The F-type pulls on the heart strings of Jaguar fans as a reincarnation of the E-type, reflected in the F-type's sculpted rear flank and centred twin exhaust. At the front, the F-type incorporates the design cues showcased on the C-X16, including a squared front grille and 'sabre tooth' air intakes at either side.

The F-type features a pop-up spoiler at the rear to ensure both the F-types performance and profile remain uncompromised.

The F-type will be launched as a soft-top first in early 2013, and prices will start at around £55,000. A coupe to follow a year later, ahead of a likely 'R' model with supercharged V8 to take up the mantle as the new Jaguar flagship. In terms of the lesser engines, at the 2012 Beijing motor show Jag confirmed that the brawn behind the F-type will come from a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol powerplant, and a 5.0-litre V8.

By Rory Smith