The stunning Jaguar C-X16 has finally been confirmed for production, but not as a coupe. It’s turned into a roadster sports car and is called the F-Type. The spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type will be unveiled later in the year in full production trim, opening a new chapter in Jaguar’s history in which dedicated sports cars will make a comeback from mid-2013.

“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,” commented Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director. “That car will be called the F-Type, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year. The core appeal of Jaguar’s cars is their sporting heart, and that heart will beat stronger than ever before in the F-Type,” he added.

Very little detail has been revealed about the car right now, other than the fact that it’s a two-seater convertible and will be powered by a range of petrol engines – including a new powerplant family that maybe a hybrid alternative following in the C-X16 concepts footsteps. The most powerful engine, however, is said to be a supercharged V6 with around 280 kW. All engines will likely be mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox, but Jag has not ruled out the option of a manual transmission for a purer driving experience.

Together with the announcement in New York, Jaguar published a batch of pictures of the F-Type roadster in a camouflage-like wrap.