Jaguar confirms 575-hp F-Type Project 7 for Goodwood debut

Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Two days ago, Jaguar announced it had something special in store for the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. Then yesterday images of that special creation, the F-Type Project 7, leaked out. And now, as promised, Coventry has released the full details on the ultimate F-Type to date. And its even better than we expected.

The production version of the concept revealed last year, the F-Type Project 7 celebrates the 60th anniversary of the D-Type by borrowing some of that legendary roadster's design cues, right down to the rear fin and British Racing Green livery with white racing stripes.

Of course the Project 7 is more than just a retro appearance package. The bespoke speedster packs a version of Jaguar's prolific 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 575 horsepower – 25 more than the F-Type R Coupe – to make it the Leaping Cat marque's most powerful production car to date. Mated to Coventry's familiar eight-speed automatic transmission, that's said to be enough to propel the Project 7 to 60 in 3.8 seconds en route to an electronically limited top speed of 186 miles per hour. Keeping all that power and pace in check and on the road are such features as carbon ceramic brakes, a full complement of carbon-fiber aero components, electronic differential and brake-based torque vectoring system.

Fully road-legal, the flagship F-Type features a folding cloth roof that can be removed entirely. Fortunate buyers will be able to choose between blue, red or green (with white graphics), or black or white (with grey graphics). Jaguar's new Special Operations division will only make 250 examples of the F-Type Project 7, each of which is sure to command a suitable premium over the $92K MSRP of the F-Type V8 S roadster or $99K F-Type R Coupe. Scope out the full details in the press release below.

JAGUAR F-TYPE PROJECT 7 CONFIRMED FOR PRODUCTION

- Jaguar confirms it will build the F-TYPE Project 7
- The production version of the F-TYPE Project 7 will debut at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed – in the 60th anniversary year of the Jaguar D-type racer that inspired its design
- The F-TYPE Project 7 will be the most performance-focused derivative of the acclaimed F-TYPE range
- Jaguar will produce the F-TYPE Project 7 in an exclusive run capped at 250 units globally, hand-built by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Operations team
- A fully road-legal two-seater roadster, the new car stays true to the design ethos of the Project 7 concept unveiled in 2013 – which paid homage to seven Jaguar wins at Le Mans – including the distinctive D-type-inspired fairing
- With 575 horsepower from its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, F-TYPE Project 7 will reach 60mph in 3.8-sec (0-100 km/h in 3.9-sec)1
- Bespoke carbon-fiber aerodynamic components, a unique suspension tune, Carbon Ceramic brakes, and Torque Vectoring by Braking are all standard features
- F-TYPE Project 7 features foldable cloth top that can be removed and stowed
- First customer deliveries will begin from mid-2015

(WHITLEY, U.K.) – June 24, 2014 – The F-TYPE Project 7, the latest model in the acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE sports car range, is set to make its debut at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 26.

"Special Operations exists to develop a suite of products and services that enable our most discerning and enthusiastic customers to indulge their passion for our cars. F-TYPE Project 7 is a perfect example of one such product. It's the most powerful production Jaguar vehicle ever built, and pays homage to seven outright Jaguar Le Mans victories with distinctive design cues inspired by the Jaguar D-type which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year," says John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

The F-TYPE Project 7 is the first Jaguar performance vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover's Special Operations team, and will be produced in an exclusive, limited-edition run of up to 250 units globally. Its distinctive roadster body, introduced in concept form last summer, pays tribute to one of the most famous and iconic racing Jaguar cars: the three-time Le Mans winning D-type, which in 2014 is celebrating its 60th anniversary year. The naming of the F-TYPE Project 7 pays homage to seven outright Jaguar Le Mans wins.

The F-TYPE Project 7 is powered by the Jaguar 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, now in 575 horsepower form, enabling the all-aluminum-bodied car – which weighs 3,495 lbs (1585kg) – to achieve acceleration from 0-60mph in 3.8-seconds (0-100km/h in 3.9-seconds)1 and onwards towards an electronically-limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h) 1. F-TYPE Project 7 will be street-legal and feature a removable roof.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through the Jaguar eight-speed Quickshift transmission and second generation Electronic Active Differential (EAD). Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes are standard on the F-TYPE Project 7, offering powerful, consistent, fade-free braking. Another standard feature is Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) which, working in conjunction with the EAD, enables extremely precise handling. Bespoke carbon-fiber aerodynamic aids and a unique suspension set-up enable F-TYPE Project 7 to deliver a truly engaging driving experience.

While F-TYPE Project 7 features performance-focused engineering by Special Vehicle Operations – the engineering and vehicle division of Special Operations – its design has been kept true to the head-turning lines of the original Project 7 concept.

Key design elements include the D-type-inspired fairing behind the driver, a new front bumper, and downforce-increasing aerodynamic modifications – including a carbon-fiber front air splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and adjustable rear spoiler. While the original concept car was a single seater, the production version has been transformed into a two-seater, with rollover hoops for both driver and passenger now integrated into the design. US specification cars will feature a full height windshield.

2014 JAGUAR F-TYPE PROJECT 7: IN DETAIL
Engineering
The 2014 Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 is a product of pure passion and the pinnacle of Jaguar performance sports car range.

The Special Vehicle Operations-engineered F-TYPE Project 7 is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 575 hp (an increase of 25 hp over the F-TYPE R Coupé). Power is delivered to the rear wheels through Jaguar's eight-speed Quickshift transmission and second-generation Electronic Active Differential. Special Vehicle Operations engineers have developed a bespoke transmission calibration for the F-TYPE Project 7, with revised shift points and shift characteristics.

This enables the lightweight, all-aluminum bodied roadster – which, at 3,495 lbs (1585kg), weighs 176 lbs (80 kg) less than the F-TYPE V8 S Convertible – to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) 1, with an electronically-limited top speed of 186mph1.

F-TYPE Project 7 features a switchable Active Sport Exhaust system with quad, matt-black ceramic coated, outboard-mounted tailpipes. The system uses electronically-controlled bypass valves in the rear section of the exhaust which are mapped to open according to a range of parameters, effectively altering the exhaust gas routing into a free-flowing straight-through arrangement to both reduce back pressure and enhance sound quality.

F-TYPE Project 7 rides on 20-inch Storm alloy wheels in gloss black. Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes – with 15.7" (398mm) front and 15.0" (380mm) rear discs allied to six- and four-piston monobloc calipers respectively.

Made from a matrix of carbon-fiber and ceramic, which is extremely hard and highly resistant to wear, the CCM system offers consistent performance and excellent fade resistance even during sustained extreme driving conditions. Jaguar CCM brakes feature a pre-fill system function that applies a low brake pressure to all four calipers when the throttle is released – and before the brake pedal is pressed again – to ensure consistent brake pedal feel.

F-TYPE Project 7 benefits from bespoke, Special Vehicle Operations-engineered front suspension knuckles which give increased negative camber, revised top mounts and new front/rear anti-roll bars. The front and rear spring and damper units are height adjustable, and both spring rates and damper internals have been tailored specifically to F-TYPE Project 7.

Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system is designed to actively control vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates by continuously monitoring driver inputs and the attitude of the car on the road, adjusting damper rates accordingly up to 500 times a second to optimize stability. The Adaptive Dynamics controlling software has been precisely re-calibrated to suit F-TYPE Project 7, the Dynamic Stability Control system also having a unique state of tune2.

Engaging Dynamic Mode delivers enhanced body control through firmer damping rates, increased steering weighting, faster gear changes and sharper throttle response. Dynamic Mode is configurable via the central 8-inch touchscreen, allowing the driver to select and save settings according to their preference2.

Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB), designed to intelligently and rapidly apply precise amounts of braking force to individual wheels to accurately sharpen the car's line through a corner, is standard. TVbB works in conjunction with the Electronic Active Differential (which can go from open to full locking torque in 200 milliseconds) and the car's Dynamic Stability Control system to optimize traction, cornering ability and, most importantly, to maximize steering feel and agility2.

"Above all – F-TYPE Project 7 is fast... It uses all the key technologies we've proven on F-TYPE R Coupe to deliver absolute immediacy of response to all driver inputs, yet its focused nature has given us the opportunity to go further still. The result is a driving experience that's pure and involving in every sense," says Mike Cross, Chief Engineer - Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar.

Design
The Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 retains the distinctive, minimalist design of the original 2013 concept. The concept car blended a Jaguar rich racing heritage with a new groundbreaking sports car line, the F-TYPE. Under Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum, the sketch of a single-seater sports car went from paper to reality in the space of just a few months, and will become a production car.

"F-TYPE Project 7 is the perfect example of how, as a design team, we can move quickly with our engineering colleagues to go from concept vehicle to production reality – we've pushed the boundaries of what's possible without losing any purity of form. Modern, purposeful and with a stance that screams intent, F-TYPE Project 7 is the perfect contemporary embodiment of the D-type that inspired it," says Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar.

The key 'heartlines' of the F-TYPE Project 7 remain those of the World Car Design Award-winning F-TYPE sports car. They effortlessly blend with the D-type-inspired rear fairing section that incorporates a rollover hoop and swoops rearwards and down from behind the driver's head. Being a two-seater, F-TYPE Project 7 features a second rollover hoop, behind the passenger seat.

Extensive aerodynamic modifications on F-TYPE Project 7 include a front splitter with a lower section made of polymer and an upper section in carbon-fiber. Side skirts, rear diffuser and an adjustable rear spoiler are all made of carbon-fiber. These components together mean the F-TYPE Project 7 generates 177% more downforce than F-TYPE Convertible at its top speed of 186mph1.

The rear deck, hood vents, side vent louvers and mirror caps are also all made of carbon-fiber. A Bimini roof has been specially designed for F-TYPE Project 7. It clips on to the convertible header rail, and can be conveniently folded and, when not in use, stowed in the trunk.
The interior features carbon-fiber inserts on the console, machined aluminum gearshift paddles and bespoke treadplates with the Project 7 logo.

Each F-TYPE Project 7 will be hand-built to exacting standards by Special Operations, and offered in an exclusive, limited-edition production capped at 250 units globally. These cars will sport a commemorative plaque, located between the two seats, featuring Ian Callum's signature.

F-TYPE Project 7, whose name acknowledges Jaguar's seven historic Le Mans race wins, will be offered in five metallic colors: Ultra Blue, Caldera Red, British Racing Green (all with white graphics options), Ultimate Black and Glacier White (both with grey graphics options).

JAGUAR F-TYPE PROJECT 7: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*
*All figures are manufacturer's estimates and subject to final confirmation ahead of production

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Engine capacity (cc)	5000
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	8-speed 'Quickshift' ZF 8HP70
PERFORMANCE
0-60mph (sec) ¹	3.8
0-100km/h (sec) ¹	3.9
Top speed (mph) ¹	186, electronically limited
Top speed (km/h) ¹	300, electronically limited
Power (HP@rpm)	575@6500
Torque (lb ft@rpm)	502@2500-5500
Wheels	20-inch 'Storm' alloy, in gloss black
Tires - size	255/35/20 (front) 295/30/20 (rear)

1 Always follow local speed limits.
2 These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention, and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions. The driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult your vehicle's owner's manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.

By Noah Joseph