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 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 proper sports cars make a comeback.

Not much details have been revealed about the car yet, other than the fact that it’s a two-seater convertible, powered by a range of petrol engines – including a new powerplant family. The most powerful version is said to have a supercharged V6 with around 380 bhp.

The F-Type seems to be proper rival for the Porsche 911 cabriolet, even though its size and character suggests it’s more of a Boxster rival. But it will be prettier than both, that’s for sure.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: “A true sports car needs to be pure in both its purpose and its form; to have the opportunity to produce such a car for Jaguar has been a privilege both for myself and for my team. 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.”

Here’s promo video Jaguar has put together to get us more excited about the newcomer: