The Jaguar F-Type, which is due out later this year, is Jaguar's attempt to recapture some of the magic of its most enduring model -- the car Enzo Ferrari once described as 'the most beautiful car ever made' -- the E-Type.
We cannot wait until the F-Type is released (especially now we know it'll be offered with a proper manual gearbox), but what if you're looking for some of that F-Type charm in an altogether more retro package? Well, we think we've found the answer.
This is the Lyonheart K, a car which is described by the company that makes it as an "all-new British luxury sports car," which "epitomises high-technology and performance motoring, while capturing the essence of a centennial, British car-making tradition."
And, no arguments please, it looks absolutely sensational. Lyonheart might only be a tiny Coventry-based manufacturer but it has managed to design a car of almost unparalleled beauty. I want one. Now.
The K is available as both a coupe and a convertible, the latter of which gets a fully electric fabric roof which can be raised or lowered in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.
Under the bonnet, the K is fitted with a 5.0-litre V8 engine tuned by Cosworth, developing 567bhp and 516lb-ft of torque. 0-62mph takes just 3.9 seconds and the top speed is limited to 186mph.
The power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox and Lyonheart claims that the K should be capable of something in the region of 24mpg on the combined cycle.
On the inside, the K's cabin is a sea of leather, veneer, polished stainless steel, chromed metal and brushed aluminium. You also get electric seats, climate control and a touchscreen Bowers and Wilkins stereo for no extra cost.
This brings us neatly on to the question of price. There's no easy way to say this: the K Coupe will cost £307,000 and the convertible £320,000.
The Lyonheart K will go into production this December. Just 250 examples will be built.
