The wraps came off the spiritual successor to the iconic Jaguar E-Type with the launch of the new F-Type on Thursday.

Eastern Daily Press: The new F-Type two-seater sports car is launched at H A Fox Jaguar Norwich.The new F-Type two-seater sports car is launched at H A Fox Jaguar Norwich. (Image: Andy russell)

Invited guests had their first chance to see the stunning new two-seater convertible in the metal at the VIP event at H A Fox Jaguar Norwich in Cromer Road.

The suspense built as they were treated to an exclusive screening of Desire, a short film directed by Ridley Scott and starring the F-Type and Damian Lewis, before the wraps were removed from three versions of the new luxury sports car range.

Mark Lawrence, general manager at H A Fox Jaguar Norwich, told guests that more than 70,000 people had expressed interest in the 'beautiful, pure and dramatic' F-Type since the production version was revealed last year.

The F-Type was developed during a time that saw Jaguar celebrating its 75th anniversary and marking half a century since the E-Type was launched.

He said that the dealerships had taken 16 deposits from customers for one the most highly-anticipated cars of the year – six had been confirmed with others taking test-drives.

'I think the Jaguar F-Type is immensely important because of its halo effect. It reaffirms Jaguar as an exciting brand and will attract new customers.'

Jaguar is predicting that 80pc of F-Type customers will be conquest sales.

The lightweight all-aluminium F-Type is priced from £58,520 for the 340hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and £67,520 for the 380hp V6S while the 495hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8S is priced at £79,985. The range-topping V8S will reach 60mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 186mph. The 380hpV6 will reach 60mph in 4.8 seconds and 171mph while the figures for the 340hp V6 are 5.1 seconds and 161mph.

The launch event included a representative from Martins Hi Fi in Norwich and Meridian Audio demonstrating the cars' Meridian Surround Sound System and a display of home entertainment equipment.