The Jaguar Project 7 has been revealed as a one-off design study of the F-Type with the 542bhp Supercharged V8 and design cues from the fabled D-Type Jaguar.
Jaguar Project 7 (pictured) is an F-Type R with D-Type Styling
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We did wonder, when Jaguar revealed they were taking a one-off design study of the new F-Type to Goodwood this week if it would be the first look at the Jaguar F-Type R. Well, it is, but with a big twist.
But it’s not a preview of a production model F-Type R (although the underpinnings probably are) but a celebration of Jaguar’s Le Mans history and homage to the Jaguar D-Type.
Creating the Project 7 Jaguar meant removing the canvas roof, fitting a cut-down windscreen, adding a D-Type fairing with a built-in rollover hoop, carbon fibre splitter, side skirts, a bigger diffuser at the back, new alloys and plenty of carbon fibre accents, all finished off with a nice racing paint job and a big number ‘7’, denoting the number of Jaguar Le Mans victories in the 1950s (5) and the ’88 and ’90 wins.
Interior changes involved replacing the passenger seat with a posh shelf for the driver’s helmet, new leathers, carbon fibre trim and something we hugely approve of (for all Jaguars, please) – machined aluminium for the flappy paddles.
It seems that upping the power to ‘R’ spec – which means 542bhp and 501lb/ft of torque) has only cut the 0-62mph by 0.1 seconds to 4.1 seconds, but we have no doubt the Project 7 will feel much quicker in the real world.
Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Designer, said:
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.
The Jaguar Project 7 will be out playing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week in the hands of Mike Cross. It’ll be worth watching.
M1TCH says
Surely ‘7’ is the number of all Jaguar’s wins at La Sarthe? Up to 1990…
Love the reflection of the D-Type in the truck at the end.
Cars UK says
You’re quite right – it includes the ’88 and ’90 wins in the TWR XJR. We’ve clarified the story.