The Jaguar F-Type->ke1224 was launched for the 2013 model as a spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type. Bolted onto a shortened XK->ke1153 platform, the F-Type was initially introduced as a soft-top convertible. The Coupe version arrived a year later and went on sale for the 2014 model year. Both versions are powered by supercharged V-6 and V-8 engines with outputs ranging from 335 horsepower to 542 ponies. As we approach the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, we've learned that Jaguar will actually produce the F-Type Project 7 that it rolled out as a concept in 2013.

Shortly after releasing the F-Type Roadster, Jaguar created the Project 7 design study. The concept car->ke169 paid tribute to Ecurie Ecosse racing team that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race->ke1591 twice with the Jaguar D-Type in the 1950s. The concept featured a D-Type->ke1250-style rollover hoop behind the driver's seat, as well as the race car's white-striped livery. It showcased its astonishing looks at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed before going into history as one of the sexiest concept cars of the 21st century.

Coming into 2014, Jaguar commissioned its Special Vehicle Operations division to transform the concept car into a production vehicle. Thus the F-Type Project 7 ditches its auto show queen status and goes to wander the streets and tracks in all of its Le Mans-inspired glory.

Updated 09/25/2015: During the 2015 Monterey Car Week, Jay Leno took the F-Type Project 7 out for a spin. Check out the new video to see what he thinks about the car.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Jaguar F-Type Project 7.

jaguar-f-type-project-7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: jaguar-f-type-project-7
Pros
Cons

2015 Jaguar F-Type Project 7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Jaguar F-Type Project 7
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 567 @ 6500
  • Torque: 502 @ 2500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

At first glance, the production version of the F-Type Project 7 looks identical to the concept car that preceded it, save for its left-hand drive configuration and metallic British Racing Green livery. This is far from being a bad thing, as the Project 7 is quite the looker, but there are a couple of details that set the production car apart from Ian Callum's original study. The front splitter, for instance, is slightly wider and now wraps around the bumper. Around back, a reshaped, adjustable rear spoiler comes to replace the prototype wing seen on the concept car. Additionally, the production Project 7 gained a special roof that can be folded and stored in the boot area.

There's also a new set of wheels featuring a five-spoke design that splits into a three-spoke configuration toward the edge of the rim. The rollers replace the milder, five-spoke, blade-like design seen on the concept car.

Other than that, the F-Type Project 7 benefits from the same body kit as the concept car, which includes a redesigned bumper, rear diffuser, and side skirts. Most of these components are made from carbon fiber and helped the Project 7 lose 26 pounds when compared to the base F-Type and no less than 176 pounds when compared to the V8 S model. Additionally, the aero kit enables the F-Type Project 7 to generate 177 percent more downforce than the F-Type Convertible at 186 mph.

D-Type-inspired rollover hoop

Another distinctive element borrowed from the concept car is the rollover hoop positioned behind the driver's seat. The piece reminds us of the classic, Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2014. A three-time Le Mans winner between 1955 and 1957, the D-Type is the most successful race car ever created by the British company.

Although the D-Type is famous for its blue and green liveries, customers will be able to order the F-Type Project 7 in a choice of five colors: Ultra Blue, Caldera Red, British Racing Green (all with white decal options), Ultimate Black and Glacier White (both with grey decal options).

2015 Jaguar F-Type Project 7 - Exterior Dimensions

Length (in)

178

Width excl (in)

75.7

Height (in, without roof)

50.3

Wheelbase (in)

103.2

Fuel tank capacity (gallons)

15.8

Weight (lbs)

3,495


Interior

Whereas the Project 7 Concept was created as a single-seater -- a feat mirroring the D-Type race car -- the production model has its cockpit configuration modified to include a passenger seat. Both the driver and the passenger sit in lightweight, race-style bucket seats finished in a quilted-diamond pattern with white stitching. The stitching continues into the side bolsters, the center console and the door panels, adding a nice contrast to the otherwise black interior.

Highlighting the sports car's unique flavor are the carbon-fiber veneer inserts, the machined-aluminum paddles behind the steering wheel, and the bespoke door sills featuring light-blue "Project 7" graphics. The steering wheels comes stitched in Alcantara as standard, but leather wrapping is available as an option. Rounding off the interior is a numbered plate located between the seats. The plaque is signed by Ian Callum himself and carries the vehicle's production number - from 1 to 250.

Drivetrain

The Project 7 is fitted with the same supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 engine found in the F-Type R Coupe and the Project 7 Concept, but Jag has increased its output to 567 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. It represents a 25-pony improvement over the R Coupe, making it the fastest and most powerful production Jaguar ever built.

All those horses and pound-feet of twist are guided to the rear wheels by Jaguar's familiar eight-speed Quickshift transmission and the second-gen Electronic Active Differential. However, the autobox is far from being the standard unit fitted in the regular F-Type, as Special Vehicle Operations engineers have come up with a unique calibration for quick shifting. Thanks to its total output and new transmission characteristics, the F-Type Project 7 screams from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds -- 0.2 seconds faster than the R Coupe and tops out at a limited 186 mph. Unfortunately, there's no manual transmission available to those in need of a third pedal and a stick.

Adding to these figures is the brand-new, switchable Active Sports Exhaust system that uses electronically controlled bypass valves with bespoke mapping. This technology reduces back pressure by routing exhaust gas into a free-flowing, straight-through arrangement and enhances the car's already appealing engine note.

2015 Jaguar F-Type Project 7 - Drivetrain/Specifications

Engine

5.0-Liter V-8

Compression ratio

9.5:1

Bore/stroke (inches)

3.64/3.66

Transmission

Eight-Speed 'Quickshift'

0-60mph (Sec)

3.8

Top speed (MPH)

186, electronically limited

Power (HP @ RPM)

567 @ 6,500

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

502 @ 2,500-5,500


Suspension

The F-Type Project 7 benefits from numerous improvements in the suspension department. The standard front suspension knuckles have been replaced by Special Vehicle Operations-engineered parts that give the Jag an increased negative camber. The revised top mounts and the new front and rear anti-roll bars complete the track-ready setup. Specifically tailored for the F-Type Project 7, the front and rear spring and damper units are height adjustable, making the sports car->ke506 suitable for various road and track conditions.

Further increasing the Project 7's handling and stability is a re-calibrated Adaptive Dynamics system that adjusts damper rates up to 500 times a second. The Engaging Dynamic Mode setting, which is configurable via the car's eight-inch touchscreen, enhances maneuverability through firmer damping rates, increased steering weighting, and even sharper throttle response. Optimized traction and cornering ability come via Jag's intelligent Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) system that applies precise amounts of braking force to each wheel. The system is standard on all Project 7s.

Stopping power is provided by Ceramic Matrix brakes at all corners, measuring 15.6 inches (398 mm) up front and 14.9 inches (380 mm) in the rear. The discs work together with six- and four-piston monobloc calipers respectively. The bespoke, 20-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in high-performance Continental ForceContact tires.

Prices

Jaguar has priced the U.S.-spec F-Type Project 7 from $165,000 plus a $925 destination charge. That's quite a significant hike over the $99,000 F-Type R Coupe, but not too bad considering only 250 units will be built and sold globally. No announcement on the number of models that are U.S.-bound.

Competitors

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Since Aston Martin has no plans to put the gorgeous CC100 Speedster Concept into production, the Vanquish Volante remains the sole British-made competitor for the F-Type Project 7. The two-seater carries a naturally aspirated, 6.0-liter, V-12 engine under its hood that injects 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. It needs 4.1 seconds to accelerate from naught to 60 mph, making it 0.3 seconds slower than the F-Type Project 7, and reaches its top speed at 183 mph.

Luxury-wise, the Vanquish Volante packs way more amenities than the F-Type, which reflects into the convertible's huge price tag. The sports car fetches at least $297,995 in the United States, sending it straight into Ferrari and Maserati territory.

Read our full review here.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet is available in two 3.8-liter, inline-six flavors, with both configurations churning less power than the F-Type Project 7. However, the rear-engined convertible is faster than the British sports car in both guises. The base model generates 520 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, which translate into a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph. The Turbo S model offers 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which cut about 10 percent off the 0-60 mph sprint, leaving it at a flat 3 seconds. The Turbo S tops out at 197 mph.

As far as pricing goes, the 911 Turbo Convertible retails from $160,700, while the 911 Turbo S Convertible wears a $193,900 sticker. Both are likely more expensive than the F-Type Project 7, despite the Jag's limited-edition status.

Read our full review here.

2013 Jaguar Project 7 Concept

Conclusion

The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car we're already in love with, so what's not to love about the Project 7? We've been waiting for Jaguar to turn the concept car into a production vehicle since the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the Brits finally did it. Simply put, the Project 7 is an F-Type with more everything. More power, better handling and revised technology, all wrapped in a gorgeous package that pays tribute to an iconic race car->ke148 and 40 years of Le Mans success. For decades, Jaguar has been struggling to regain its status among sports car manufacturers, and the F-Type came to do just that. With the Project 7 on the horizon, it's safe to assume the Brits have a bright future ahead. And needless to say, the company's Special Vehicle Operations division is off to a great start.

Update History

Updated 08/15/2014: Jaguar has officially revealed the pricing details for the F-Type Project 7. Each of the 250 models will base at $165,925 including the $925 destination charge.

Updated 07/03/2014: Jaguar announced that the new F-Type Project 7 will make its dynamic debut at Le Mans Classic this weekend just in time to celebrate Jaguar D-type's 60th anniversary. It will be joined by the very first D-type and other F-TYPE R Coupe models.