Jaguar unveils hottest F-TYPE

Jaguar has unveiled the wildest incarnation yet seen of its new F-TYPE roadster, which goes on sale in Australia later this month.

Revealed ahead of its world debut at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, Jaguar says the ‘PROJECT 7’ design study recalls the company’s seven Le Mans wins between 1951 and 1990 – a record for a British car-maker.

Indeed, its blue exterior paint harks back to Jaguar’s Le Mans-winning D-types of 1956/1957 and an original D-type can even be seen in this official video of the PROJECT 7 undergoing its first shakedown test at Goodwood.

However, it’s clear the PROJECT 7 concept’s debut at the Goodwood FoS, which now attracts a global audience and is regarded by Jaguar as its home motor show, is designed to diffuse the limelight on Porsche’s direct rival, the 911, this year’s 50th anniversary of which will be a headline event at Goodwood.

More importantly, PROJECT 7 is the first tangible proof that Jaguar intends to extend the F-TYPE family beyond the range-topping V8 S, although the final production version is likely to be based on the F-TYPE coupe due to be launched globally this year.

At this stage it’s unknown whether the production version will wear F-TYPE R-S and/or GT badges, both of which are familiar to Jaguar fans. Jaguar will also use Goodwood to show production versions of the XJR, XFR-S and XKR-S GT.

It’s also unclear what power output the hottest F-TYPE will offer, although its performance is likely to eclipse that of the concept, which employs a 5.0-litre V8 with a free-flow exhaust system with a ceramic finish to develop 405kW at 6500rpm and 680Nm of torque between 2500 and 5500rpm – 41kW and 55Nm more than the standard F-TYPE V8 S flagship (364kW/625Nm).

Matched with the F-TYPE’s standard eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission and active differential, that’s enough for it to sprint to 100km/h in a claimed 4.1 seconds (making it just one-tenth quicker) on its way to a 300km/h top speed.

Riding on 20-inch ‘Blade’ alloy wheels shod with 255/30 front and 295/30 rear Pirelli P Zero rubber – plus a 10mm lower ride height and unique spring/damper tune -- PROJECT 7 is rear-wheel drive, but European reports suggest the most extreme F-TYPE could gain all-wheel drive.

To be driven at Goodwood by Jaguar ’s Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Mike Cross, the roofless one-off PROJECT 7 features bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic components, a speedster-style rear fairing section with inbuilt rollover hoop behind the driver, a fixed rear wing and a unique interior with 30mm-lower composite bucket seat.

“The overriding dynamic aim when developing F-TYPE was ensuring connected feel,” said Cross.

“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.”

The single-seat all-aluminium bodied roadster was apparently created at the behest of Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum following the axing of the British brand’s C-X75 hybrid hypercar program.

“When I saw this sketch of a low-screen, single-seat F-TYPE, I felt enthused by it and wanted to take it further,” said Callum.

“As designers, our very purpose is to disrupt -- to turn the norm on its head and see if it still works -- and here at Jaguar, we love to push the boundaries.

“As a team our challenge was to take this gem of an idea, work within the limitations of production feasibility, and create something worthwhile. So I encouraged Cesar and Alister Whelan, Chief Designer, Jaguar, to take it to the next stage and develop a workable concept, and with the support of key departments across the business, PROJECT 7 was born.

“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.”