To be driven fast and enjoyed.
At the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed, One British automaker will be running a modern sports car packed with vintage racing character. The new Jaguar Project 7 Concept will come roaring into Goodwood with its free-flowing exhaust and D-Type-inspired styling, designed to inspire emotion and driving pleasure.
Designed by Jaguar’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, the new Jaguar Project 7 Concept is based off of the current F-Type sports car but wears a unique, vintage design that pays homage to the days of Jaguar’s racing success.
“Project 7 is a single-seat sports car based on the F-TYPE, with the kind of racing-inspired form that designers dream about,” said Callum. “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 Concept’s name comes from the marquee’s seven 24 Hours of Le Mans victories from 1951-1990 while it’s paintwork and styling draws from the legendary D-Type Jaguars from 1956 and 1957. The car began as a concept when it was penned Jaguar designer Cesar Pieri, as a sketch of an F-Type with cut-down windshield and race-inspired vintage livery.
After some digital modeling and the creation of a clay model, the design and engineering teams got to work on creating the new Jaguar Project 7 Concept in a mere four months. The two striking “heartlines” featured on the F-Type, while the rear was given a D-Type-inspired rollover hoop behind the driver and a removal of the convertible top. Paying homage to the successful D-Type is a blue livery with white decals.
A number of racing upgrades were also added to further the performance of the Jaguar Project 7 Concept. The front wears a new carbon fiber splitter, larger air intakes, headlights surrounded by gloss black highlights, while the side louvres and hood vents boast a carbon fiber construction. New side skirts, a rear diffuser, and fixed rear spoiler with 14-percent angle all work to optimize downforce for better handling and stability. Special carbon fiber and aluminum side mirrors draw inspiration from the Jaguar C-X16 Concept and new 20-inch forged wheels with carbon fiber inserts create a powerful stance.
Inside, the Jaguar Project 7 Concept is designed around the driver. The single-seat, right-hand drive cockpit features a single bucket seat with four-point racing harness that is 1.2-inches lower than the factory seats found in the F-Type. The passenger seat has been replaced with a new custom-tailored helmet holder using a special harness to secure a special Project 7 helmet with matching blue and white livery. Soft race-style diamond-stitched leather is worn by the driver’s seat and door panels while carbon fiber is featured on the shifter and center console.
“The overriding dynamic aim when developing the F-Type was ensuring connected feel; it’s a true, driver-focused sports car; agile, immediate, fast and, of course, fun,” said Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity at Jaguar. “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. I’m very much looking forward to driving it at Goodwood.”
The Jaguar Project 7 Concept features the same internals as the F-Type sports car upon which it is based. The fully-functional concept is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 producing 550 horsepower connected to a “Quickshift” ZF-eight speed gearbox and active electronically-controlled limited slip differential, sending the concept to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and to a top speed of 186 mph. The supercharged engine spits out a viscous, motorsport roar thanks to its free-flowing exhaust with ceramic-finished tips. Further aiding in adding dynamic performance is a custom spring and damper tune along with a 10 mm lower ride height.
The Jaguar Project 7 Concept car will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12th and be driven by Jaguar’s Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, Mike Cross.
Jaguar Project 7 Concept Specifications
Engine:
Engine Capacity (cc): 5000/5.0 liters
Cylinders: 8
Valves per cylinder: 4
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Bore/stroke (mm): 92.5/93.0
Bore/stroke (inches): 3.64/3.66
Transmission: Eight-speed ZF transmission with ‘Quickshift’ technology
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60mph: 4.1 seconds
Acceleration 50-75mph: 2.4 seconds
Top Speed:186 mph (electronically limited)
Maximum Horsepower: 550 at 6500 RPM
Torque: 502 lb-ft. from 2500-5500 RPM
Wheels: 20-inch “Blade” forged-alloy
Tires: Pirelli P Zero 255/30/20 (front) / 295/30/20 (rear)
Jaguar Project 7 Concept Gallery
Source: Jaguar
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