Jaguar’s Project 7 concept made a dynamic debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed on 12th July. 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.
“Project 7 is a single-seater sports car based on the F-TYPE, with the kind of racing-inspired form that designers dream about. It has one purpose: to be driven fast and enjoyed. Jaguar sports cars are known for exceptional performance and clean design. Project 7 captures that spirit in its purest form.”
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
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.
“The overriding dynamic aim when developing F-TYPE was ensuring connected feel; it’s a true, driver-focused sports car; agile, immediate, fast and, of course, fun. Having achieved that for the road, Project 7 has given us a unique opportunity to go that little bit further. It’s visceral in every sense – its response, its sound and its sheer performance.”
Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar
In addition to the increase in power – delivered to the rear wheels through Jaguar’s 8-speed Quickshift automatic 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.
“Jaguar’s sporting bloodline and innovative ambition is perfectly embodied by Project 7, both through its sensual design, and its shattering performance. Project 7’s Goodwood debut provided a great stage to showcase the creativity of our design and engineering teams.”
Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar
SPECIFICATIONS: 5.0 litre supercharged V8 petrol engine | 8 cyl | 550PS | 680Nm | 8-speed quickshift transmission | 0-100kmph in 4.2 seconds | top speed of 300kmph | Single-seater | all-aluminium body roadster |
