JAGUAR PROJECT 7: ‘F’ IS FOR FAST!

Ian Callum’s one-off design study could be Jaguar’s next Supercar.
Based on the ‘14 Jaguar F-TYPE sports car – winner of the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award – the Project 7 concept will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.

“Project 7 is a single-seat 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,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design.

Project 7’s name acknowledges Jaguar’s winning of Le Mans seven times between 1951-1990, and its blue paintwork is reminiscent of the victorious Jaguar D-type cars of 1956/1957.

“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. 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,” said Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity.

Project 7 is not a static concept, but a fully functional, high-performance sports car. The F-TYPE’s rigid all-aluminum architecture provides the perfect starting point, with power supplied by a 550 horsepower supercharged 5-liter V8. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF transmission with “Quickshift” technology, and an active electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Project 7 also features a free-flow exhaust system with a ceramic finish, 10-mm lower ride height and a custom-calibrated suspension.

The F-TYPE’s two key design ‘heartlines’ remain. The most prominent change is the new D-Type-inspired rear fairing section that incorporates a rollover hoop and swoops down from behind the driver. The convertible top system has been deleted.

Aerodynamic modifications include a carbon-fiber front air splitter, side skirts, large rear
diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler with a 14-degree angle of attack, giving Project 7 a low muscular stance. The side louvers and hood vents are also carbon fiber, while the
carbon fiber and aluminum mirrors draw inspiration from those on Jaguar’s C-X16
sports car concept, which inspired the F-TYPE.

The windshield has been lowered, while a new front fascia design incorporates revised air intakes and headlights with gloss black surrounds. The car sits on 20-inch forged-alloy
wheels with carbon-fiber inserts.

The cockpit of Project 7 is no less impressive than its exterior. The driver sits in a composite bucket seat, which is 1.2 inches lower than the stock seat, and is gripped by a four-point racing harness. The passenger seat is replaced by a custom fabricated helmet holder, which carries a custom-designed Project 7 helmet in matching blue paint and graphics, secured by its own harness. The seat and the insides of the doors are finished in a quilted racing-style diamond pattern. There are carbon-fiber inserts on the console and shift lever, and the steering
wheel is equipped with machined aluminum paddles.

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