Jaguar Project 7 F-Type Speedster Revealed

Jaguar Project 7 is based on 2014 F-Type convertible, but is a tribute to the Le Mans winning Jaguar D-Type speedster. It even sports the same blue paintjob as the Le Mans winning D-Type.

The original D-Type was produced between 1954 and 1957 and it went on to win three Le Mans titles in 1955, 56 and 57.

The name ‘Project 7' signifies Jaguar's seven Le Mans wins between 1951 to 1990.

The Project 7 concept was first designed on paper as an experiment by Jaguar designer Cesar Pieri. The design was immediately approved and a team headed by Ian Callum developed the final product. From paper to road project 7 was brought to life in just 4 months.

While Project 7 gets its look from both the F-Type and the D-type, it has been modified significantly to extract high level of performance and driving pleasure out of it.

For the body nothing apart from aluminium has been used, which has been fitted with bespoke carbon fiber aero components.

The complete roof mechanism from the F-Type has been removed and the mirror has been cut short to give it a roadster feel.

The Project 7 has inherited the signature rollover hoop, behind the driver, from the D-Type. The vehicle's cockpit seats only one.

Power comes from the 5 liter V8 supercharged engine that delivers 550 HP and 680 Nm. That is 54 HP and 55 Nm more than what the standard 5.0L V8 S from the F-Type is capable of.

The engine is mated to an 8 speed ZF transmission with "Quickshift" technology and active electronically controlled limited slip differential.

100 km/h is dispatched in 4.2 seconds and top speed is attained at 299 km/h.

The Project 7 also has a lower ride height, which is 10 mm lower than the F-Type, thanks to custom tuned suspensions.

Due to its roadster design the driver is required to wear a helmet and one comes with the car. It sports the same Blue color and a number ‘7' livery.

Another unique feature to be found in Project 7 is that in place of the passenger seat is a custom helmet holder, with its own harness.

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: Eight-speed ZF transmission with 'Quickshift' technology

0-60mph (sec): 4.1
50-75mph (sec): 2.4
Top speed: 186 MPH (electronically limited)
Power (HP@rpm): 550 @ 6500
Torque (lb ft@rpm): 502 @ 2500-5500

Wheels: 20-inch "Blade" forged-alloy
Tires: Pirelli P Zero 255/30/20 (front) / 295/30/20 (rear)

1951: C-Type: Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead
1953: C-Type: Tony Rolt, Duncan Hamilton
1955: D-Type: Mike Hawthorn, Ivor Bueb
1956: D-Type: Ron Flockhart, Ninian Sanderson
1957: D-Type: Ron Flockhart, Ivor Bueb
1988: XJR-9LM: Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, Andy Wallace
1990: XJR-12: John Nielsen, Price Cobb, Martin Brundle

"Project 7 will be in action on the hill over all three days of the Goodwood Festival of Speed: Friday, July 12, 2013 through Sunday July 14, 2013"

"Other Jaguar models in action on the hill include: XJR, XFR-S and XKR-S GT"

"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," says Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar.

"Jaguar's sporting bloodline and innovative ambition are perfectly embodied by Project 7, both through its sensual design, and its shattering performance. Project 7's Goodwood debut will provide a great stage to showcase the creativity of our design and engineering teams," says Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar.

Three time Le Mans winning Jaguar D-Type.