Jaguar fans can finally feast their eyes on the long-awaited F-Type sportscar at the New York Auto Show 2012 - although the new model has been camouflaged to keep its look under wraps.
First picture of the camouflaged Jaguar F-Type revealed at the New York Auto Show (Copyright: Jaguar)
It has been 40 years since production of the much-admired E-Type was halted.
Last year Jaguar's C-X16 caused a stir at the motor show in Frankfurt, but the F-Type is set to cause an even bigger sensation.
Speaking at the New York Auto Show, Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director for Jaguar, said: "We showed the C-X16 concept in September 2011, and the reaction to it has been so positive that we've accelerated our development of an all-new Jaguar sports car.
"Its development is a vivid representation of the confidence and ambition of the Jaguar brand, and the desire amongst our engineers and design team to produce a world-leader in a market segment that we have been absent from for too long. But no longer – the F-Type is coming."
The F-Type - due to go on sale in the middle of next year - will come in convertible and coupe versions and is expected to be priced at £60,000 upwards. It will be a two-seater with a top speed of 180mph.
Jaguar said a range of petrol engines will be available, and it will be capable of 0-60mph in under five seconds.
Prototypes are now leaving Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant for on-road testing – the same plant at which the production cars will be built.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: "The C-type, D-type and E-type Jaguars were all sports cars that held true to this principle in their era, and the F-TYPE will hold true to that same principle in its time, a time that is soon to arrive."