Jaguar Project 7 Concept

• Jaguar bolted an extra racing bucket into the vehicle at Pebble to allow supervised test drives (the automaker was understandably interested in protecting its one-of-a-kind concept). After a short introduction, I walked over to the right side, opened the door and wedged myself into the proper seat, the one behind the wheel. The driving position was low and, quite frankly, less than ideal. I am six-foot two-inches tall, and even with my height I found my eyes at a comically low elevation. Complicating things was the chopped acrylic front windshield that was blurry, scratched and distorted - now I know what the outside world looks like for a captive fish.
• After pressing the START button, I realized how petty my visibility complaint was. The V8, nested under the front hood, fired to life with a raspy roar and then settled immediately down to a burbling growl. After backing out of the lot, I moved the electronic gear shifter into D and pressed gingerly on the accelerator. And then magic spilled out of its quad exhaust pipes.
• The sinister engineers at Jaguar have methodically crafted a devilish exhaust note that will have enthusiasts running for a fresh pair of Depends – it is that good. Under partial acceleration the sound was deep and distant, resonating off the objects around it. Under full throttle it wailed and exploded as if combustion was happening three feet aft of the rear bumper (I consistently visualized tongues of flames licking at the asphalt). And under deceleration it boomed, popped and cackled with an angry and inconsistent rhythm. I am not going to say the Project 7's exhaust note is perfect, but it is damn near close.
• I felt like a circus lion on a chain, as nearly every moment behind the wheel was spent at a restrained pace. I floored it once, for about two full seconds, and the atmosphere-ripping burst of power tore both rear tires free. But I had to lift quickly, for fear of terrorizing an elderly woman walking her Havanese a few feet off the right quarter panel. Aside from that brief moment of acceleration, the balance of my time was spent modulating the throttle for the loudest possible backfires. Regrettably, all of the audible mayhem was accomplished at the expense of the local residents – my apologies to the neighborhood, of course.
• The F-Type is arguably one of Jaguar's best-handing sports cars in years, but a short spin through a planned community is no way to test a concept wearing a production vehicle's underpinnings. After driving it, I honestly have no idea how the Project 7 really drives. But considering how sumptuous it sounded, I am sure it accelerates like a Saturn V, corners on rails and brakes as if grabbed by an arresting wire. Yet before those luscious accolades spill from my mouth, I must drive the concept at speed to confirm. Jaguar, when do I get to go again?

Vital Stats

Engine:

Supercharged 5.0L V8

Power:

550 HP/502 LB-FT

Transmission:

8-Speed Auto

0-60 Time:

4.1 Seconds

Top Speed:

186 MPH

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive

Seating:

1

Base Price:

Concept

By Michael Harley