What is it? The all-new Jaguar F-Type roadster made its North American debut at the LA Auto Show wearing striking, special-order “Firesand” paint.

The F-Type will be offered in three iterations:

• 340-hp, 3.0-liter V6
• 380-hp, 3.0-liter V6
• 495-hp, 5.0-liter V8

Each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a manual mode accessible via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The top, supercharged V8 engine is said to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

To aid fuel efficiency, the F-Type is equipped with a start/stop system that shuts off the engine during prolonged stops and quickly fires it back up when needed.

What’s new or notable? A Dynamic Launch mode allows the driver to get an optimized start by pressing the brake pedal and accelerator; the instrument panel will indicate when engine power is optimized for peak acceleration. The driver then just needs to lift off the brake, while putting the pedal to the metal.