The Jaguar F-Type roadster has been given the production go-ahead - but it could be three years before it enters showrooms. The all-new Jaguar becomes the fifth model in the company's product range.

Announcing the decision at the Los Angeles International autoshow Jaguar's chairman Dr Wolfgang Reitzle said: "Jaguar is one of the most evocative brands in the world and there is a renewed commitment at Jaguar to create cars that stir people's emotions. The overwhelming positive reaction across the globe to last year's concept convinced Jaguar to build the F-Type."

He said that due to the "intensity of new product development" at Jaguar, it will take around three years to deliver the F-Type to market.

During that period Jaguar will launch 15 new or significantly revised products and powertrains. F-Type will be the sixteenth.

Jonathan Browning, Jaguar managing director, said: "From a manufacturer that a mere three years ago had only a two-model line up, this represents a massive investment in design, engineering and manufacturing resource.

"Today Jaguar is the fastest growing of all car manufacturers, but this growth is being managed very carefully to ensure that we sustain our quality standards and do not ove-extend the Jaguar."

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