Special Operations ‘Project 7’ creation is the most powerful production Jaguar ever – and, boy, will you want one.
Exciting news for anyone with a pulse and a love of four-wheeled machines. Jaguar has announced its quite splendid F-Type Project 7 concept is becoming something you could actually drive to the supermarket at weekends.
The Project 7 concept started out life as an F-Type Convertible V8 before it was given to Jaguar’s Special Operations team, which then used its expertise to really eke out every bit of performance in a bid to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the three-time Le Mans winning D-Type.
It only seems like yesterday we were complaining at the lack of a true Jaguar sportscar and now we have the most powerful production Jaguar ever. Yes, it has more power than the XJ220 supercar of the 90s. Just let that sink in for a second.
The already potent 5.0-litre supercharged V8 develops 575PS (567bhp) and 680Nm, beating the XJ220’s 520hp. This allows a 0 to 62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. Admittedly, the XJ220 could do more than 200mph but it never had to endure the shackles of electronically-limited top speeds.
Jaguar’s all-aluminium body means the F-Type Project 7 weighs a respectable 1,585kg. It is fully road-legal and (dare we say it) almost practical, thanks to a 196-litre stowage space. Take that, weekly shop.
A track is, of course, where the Project 7 is meant to shine and not in a car park in Milton Keynes. Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes, Torque Vectoring and an eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission all play a role in scaring you to death.
Various external modifications such as the fairing behind the driver’s head and a carbon fibre splitter help this particular cat go very fast. In fact, a combination of the front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and adjustable rear spoiler give the F-Type Project 7 an additional 177 per cent more downforce at its top speed compared with the standard F-Type Convertible.
There are plenty of other juicy extras to (sort of) justify the purchase. 20-inch ‘Storm’ alloy wheels, for instance, fill the arches nicely, while bespoke, height-adjustable front suspension improves handling. Then there’s a switchable Active Sports Exhaust system with quad, matt-black ceramic coated tailpipes that is meant to enhance the engine note.
Each car will bear a plaque with a unique model number and a signature from Jaguar design director Ian Callum. Five paintjobs are available: Ultra Blue, Italian Racing Red and British Racing Green come with the option of white decals. Ultimate Black and Glacier White have the option of grey decals.
Just 250 cars will be built. Based on the sheer performance and limited production number, we’re guessing the Project 7 will cost serious money.
Scroll on down to watch Jaguar’s Project 7 video below and have a bib ready to mop up the drool. Then realise you have a better chance of affording the lowly but still impressive entry-level F-Type Convertible.
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