Jaguar Project 7: It’s an F-Type R with the DNA of a D-Type (video)

Jaguar Project 7 (pictured) is an F-Type R with D-Type Styling

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. Yes, the Jaguar Project 7 – for that is what Jaguar has called this one-off F-Type – is an F-Type with the 542bhp version of the Supercharged V8 the other performance Jaguars get.

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.

By Cars UK