New York Auto Show: Jaguar F-Type roadster is a pretty kitty

It's laughably easy to get jaded in this business. Attending auto shows and being surrounded by impossibly beautiful and desirable cars sometimes makes you numb. But walking the show floor in New York yesterday, I felt an epiphany of sorts. I'm a diehard dog lover, so it surprised me that my fixation turned out to be a cat.

Forgive the cliché, but the Jaguar F-Type stopped me in my tracks. Open-mouthed jaw-dropping trance. Literally.

I mean, there were enough amazing sights at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) to dazzle any weary auto enthusiast. I was jazzed beyond belief at the sculpted new Corvette. The reemergence of diesel-powered cars gives me faith that these impressive engines might actually take hold in the United States. And the WRX Concept is more sensuous than any Subaru ever.

But the F-Type finally gives those of us who missed the launch of the original E-Type cause for celebration. Allegedly, Enzo Ferrari called the E "the most beautiful car ever made." Debuting in 1961, it simply came around long before many of us were born or could see above the steering wheel. But now we have a modern interpretation with the F-Type. Forget that the F-Type won the "2013 World Car Design of the Year." Forget that modern Jaguars drive better and are more reliable than the classic Jags of old. This car rocked me.

There are some cars that you just love at first sight. The F-Type's body sculpture has perfect proportions to my eyes. The beauty of the deep-set headlights and gracefully formed hood made me think about it all the way home to Connecticut. And the way the rear wheel arches curve up and then down to meet the trunk lines and subtle taillights and exhaust pipes completes the eye candy from all angles.

I hope we get the chance to sample this most stunning car at our track in the near future to find out if it purrs as sweetly as it looks.

If you see something at the NY show that rocks your world, tag your images with #CRAutoShow in Twitter and Instagram. We'll post the best pictures online at consumerreports.org/NYautoshow.

See our complete New York auto show coverage, plus highlights at CRCars.tumblr.com.

—Mike Quincy