Autocar already had the chance to test the new Jaguar Project 7 Concept on track, after it made its public appearance during Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Project 7 is based on Jaguar’s acclaimed F-TYPE, its all-new, two-seater, convertible sports car and winner of the World Car Design of the Year 2013 award.
Key exterior design changes include a fairing behind the driver’s head, bespoke carbon-fibre components – a new front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, lowered windshield and restyled front bumper.
Project 7’s unique interior features a composite single-seat with racing harness, a helmet holder and custom trim. Project 7’s name acknowledges Jaguar’s winning of Le Mans seven times between 1951-1990 – a record for a British manufacturer – and its blue paintwork is reminiscent of the victorious Jaguar D-types of 1956/1957.
Project 7 is not a static concept, but a fully-functional, high-performance sports car. The F-TYPE’s rigid all-aluminium architecture provides the perfect starting point, power coming from Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in 550PS/680Nm form, an increase of 55PS and 55Nm over the F-TYPE V8 S.
In addition to the increase in power – delivered to the rear wheels through Jaguar’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission and electronic active differential – Project 7 also features a free-flow exhaust system with a ceramic finish, 10mm lower ride height and a unique spring/damper tune.
