In pictures: The Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The jaguar is one of those cars that looks way better in real life than in a photograph, where it can appear a bit short and stumpy, but the reality is that this Jaguar is an entirely worthy successor to the E-Type.

The convertible F-Type in its three differing guises impressed hugely this time last year. The models were developed in tandem, but the decision was made by Jaguar to launch the convertible first, to appease its biggest market, the United States.

The car has all the right curves are in all the right places, there are short overhangs and muscular haunches.

There’s a cohesion to the design that merits closer inspection, when you can drink in the entire thing, letting your eyes dance around its lithe form, seeing all the lines harmoniously join together and take in its perfect proportions.

There’s no flab, no unnecessary addenda getting in the way of the visuals — it’s exactly how a sports car should look and proves that safety legislation need not result in ugliness (it’s usually a last ditch excuse wheeled out by designers of unattractive cars).

Jaguar’s expertise with aluminium construction is world class, having been forming cars from the stuff for decades, initially just with the external bodies, but more recently extending that to the entire structure.

On the launch event in Spain, two of the three models are available: the V6 S and the storming R, complete with a 550hp, 680Nm supercharged V8 that takes it to an electronically limited 300 kph.

It’s supercar fast, in another league altogether from the V6. Its soundtrack is different, deeper, more menacing and just as addictive, and it’s stiffer than either the six-cylinder models or its convertible brother.

What impresses with the Jaguar, apart from the heavy rock soundtrack and the sheer pace of the thing, is the way it grips the road surfaces, inspiring huge levels of confidence. Turn-in is sharp and loading the car up pre-corner with a quick dab on the wonderful brakes reaps dividends with smooth and progressive oversteer, even with the electronic nannies keeping watch.

Taking a closer look at the new Jaguar F-Type Coupe. All photos courtesy of Jaguar.