When Jaguar unveiled the XE back in 2015, rumors of a high-performance version surfaced almost immediately. With the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division having already launched a couple of cars, it was only natural to assume that Jaguar would develop an XE SVR to go against the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63. However, the SVR has yet to make it into production, just as Jaguar has yet to launch a V-8-powered version of the car. But, the wait will be over come 2017, as the British firm has just confirmed that the XE has gained a supercharged V-8 under the "SV Project 8" badge.

If "Project 8" sounds familiar it's because it's the second limited-edition vehicle from SVO, following the F-Type Project 7 from 2014. The really big news here is that Project 8 is significantly more powerful than Project 7. With output close to 600 horsepower, the beefed-up sedan is officially the most powerful Jaguar ever made. The company also promises "supercar performance and dynamics in a four-door sedan," which makes Project 8 as exciting as they get. An official debut is scheduled at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 30, but Jaguar has already released spec sheets and photos.

Continue reading to learn more about the Jaguar XE SV Project 8

Official video

Exterior

Exterior comparison: Jaguar XE Project 8 vs standard Jaguar XE.

Much like the Project 7 compared to the F-Type, the Project 8 is a beefed-up version of the familiar XE. Actually, we could easily call it an extreme interpretation of the compact sedan, as nothing about this car can be labeled as regular.

Essentially a full-fledged race car without the livery, the Project 8 sports a huge amount of custom features and a massive number of carbon-fiber components. Up front, the bumper is all-carbon and has been redesigned to include larger cooling ducts at the corners, covered by honeycomb patterned covers painted in the same color as the body. Below, we can see a bare carbon splitter that's also manually adjustable in two positions for track use. The main grille also has a unique mesh and a Jaguar logo with a red background, while the headlamps have been repositioned to make way for the beefier fenders. The new, vented hood is also made from carbon-fiber, saving a few good pounds compared to the standard aluminum unit.

Exterior comparison: Jaguar XE Project 8 vs Jaguar F-Type Project 7.

Moving onto the sides, there are wider front fenders designed to accommodate the beefier tires. Modifications continue with carbon side skirts and flared rear fenders. The standard wheels were replaced with 20-inch, forged aluminum alloy rims shod in track-ready tires with tremendous grip. The Project 8 is equally aggressive around back thanks to a redesigned bumper and the big wing atop the trunk lid. The latter is obviously made from carbon-fiber and it's also adjustable to suit various racing conditions. The carbon bumper has extra vents at the corners and includes a carbon diffuser with quad titanium variable active exhaust pipes. The aerodynamic package is completed by a flat underbody, which pretty much turns the Project 8 into an actual race car for the road.

It's also worth noting that all those carbon-fiber parts help keep weight down to only 3,847 pounds. Granted, this isn't exactly lightweight given that the base XE tips the scales at only 3,250 pounds, but it's a low figure considering all the upgrades and the heavier V-8 engine.

Jaguar offers the Project 8 in eight body colors. There are three standard colors, Fuji White, Narvik Black, and Caldera Red, and five options from the SVO Premium Palette, including Valencia Orange, Velocity Blue, Meribel White, Verbier Silver, and Corris Grey (satin matte). But, customers who want a more unique finish can opt for other colors from the SVO Premium Palette range, which includes 19 hues in tri-coat, tinted clear coat, pearlescent, ChromaFlair and satin matte. Race-inspired decal packs are also available at extra cost.

Interior

As you'd expect based on the exterior, the Project 8 is unique on the inside as well. Sure, it's still heavily based on the standard XE and comes with the same design features, but the Project 8 package adds numerous bespoke elements. For starters, there's subtle gloss, carbon-fiber trim, as well as Alcantara on the steering wheel, dashboard, and door panels. It's also the first XE with paddle shifters for the transmission and the first XE with a dedicated Track Mode, which tailors the drivetrain and stability control systems for track use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for enhanced precision and driver feedback.

Interior comparison: Jaguar XE Project 8 vs standard XE.

Another unique feature is the two-seat configuration. Although this isn't available in the United States, where it will be offered as a four-seat model only featuring the front Performance seats with magnesium frames and more heavily contoured rear seat cushion for extra support, some markets will get an optional two-seat Track Pack. The bundle includes lightweight front carbon-fiber racing seats and four-point harnesses fixed to a Harness Retention Hoop in place of the rear seat. Now that's my favorite feature so far, but it's a bit disappointing that it won't be offered in the U.S., most likely due to safety restrictions.

As far as tech goes, almost all the cool features that Jaguar introduced with the XE are included as standard. You get the 10.2-inch tablet-style screen for the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, the 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, iOS and Android device connectivity, and a 380-watt Meridian sound system with 11 speakers.

Drivetrain

Not surprisingly, the Project 8 gets its juice from a 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This supercharged mill is extremely familiar in Jaguar Land Rover’s current lineup, being offered in models like the XF, XJ, F-Type, and Range Rover Sport. Much like any car made by Special Vehicle Operations, the Project 8 received a newly-tuned version of the engine that produces a whopping 592 horsepower. This output makes the Project 8 the most powerful road-legal Jaguar in history, placing it significantly above the F-Type Project 7 and F-Type SVR, which have 567-horsepower versions of the same engine.

Just like the F-Type SVR, the Project 8 uses all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed, ZF automatic transmission recalibrated to reduce shift times and increase torque availability during launch.

As a result, the Project 8 is quicker than any other XE sedan out there. Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.3 seconds, which makes it two tenths quicker than the F-Type SVR. Is this impressive or what? What's more, the Project 8 is also quicker than both the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63, which need more than 3.8 ticks to hit the same benchmark. Top speed is also impressive, being rated at 200 mph, and above anything else you can get in this niche.

All this performance comes from extensive modifications made to the V-8 engine, including a lightweight version of the Titanium Variable Active Exhaust, a unique air intake system with increased airflow efficiency, and an extensively modified cooling system.

Suspension

A lot of modifications have been made in this department too, in order for the Project 8 to handle all that extra oomph and enhanced aerodynamics at the race track. The already impressive double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension in the standard XE was further improved with stiffer springs and manually adjustable Continuously Variable Shock Absorbers. The latter also give the sedan a 0.6-inch lower ride height for track use. The Project 8 also debuts a new carbon-ceramic braking system, which uses a Formula 1-style silicon nitride ceramic wheel bearings and incorporates a rear electronic active differential with oil cooler.

Prices

Pricing is obviously a mystery at this point, but we can figure out an approximate sticker based on Project 7. With the latter sold with a 67-percent premium over the F-Type R Coupe, it's safe to assume that the Project 8 will see a similar hike over the range-topping model. With the 35t AWD trim retailing from $54,775, the Project 8 could cost nearly $100,000. Production of this sedan will be limited to only 300 units, with sales to commence in 2018.

Competition

BMW M4 GTS / BMW M4 CS

Finding a proper competitor for the Project 8 isn't easy, mostly because the Jag is more powerful than anything else on the market in this niche. The BMW M4 GTS comes pretty close though. It uses a similar body style with wider fenders, big splitter, large rear wing and diffuser, as well as a unique interior and a beefed-up six-cylinder engine that delivers 493 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of twist. But besides the significantly inferior output, the GTS has another major issues: it's no longer available. With the 700 units sold in 2016, the only option you have now is the M4 CS. But the latter lacks the big wing of the GTS, while the engine was detuned to 460 horsepower and 442 pound-feet. Not exactly a rocket, but it checks a lot of boxes if you're looking for a special, limited-edition car. Of course, you also need to consider the fact that the M4 is two-door. The M3 is an option too, but it's slower, heavier, and less powerful than the M4 GTS and CS.

Learn more about the BMW M4 GTS, M4 CS, and c here, here, and here.

Mercedes-AMG C63

If you want to stick to four-door sedans, the AMG C63 is one of the best options you have. Around since 2015, the C63 still uses a V-8, unlike the M3 and M4, in the form of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit. The mill cranks out 476 horsepower and 479 pound-feet in the "base" model, but the C63 S churns out a more solid 503 horses and 516 pound-feet. But despite having in excess of 500 horses, the AMG C63 isn't as aggressive as the Project 8 when it comes to aerodynamics, missing a comprehensive aero kit and a big rear wing. A more potent Black Series model is reportedly in the works, but until it arrives, you'll have to settle for a more mundane kit if you want a Merc. The good news is that the AMG C63 S retails from $72,800, which makes it significantly more affordable than the Project 8.

Find out more about the Mercedes-AMG C63 here.

Cadillac ATS-V

The ATS-V is yet another performance sedan that's appealing in just about any department but lacks a beefed-up version that would give the Project 8 a run for its money. Upgraded with sportier features for enhanced aerodynamics, the ATS-V also comes with a purposeful cabin with unique features and a powerful V-6 engine. The twin-turbo 3.6-liter generates 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, which travel to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, the latter shared with the Corvette Z06. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds, which is pretty quick given the sub-500-horsepower rating. Pricing-wise, it's the most affordable of the bunch at $62,895 before options.

Read more about the Cadillac ATS-V here.

Conclusion

When Jaguar introduced the XE back in 2015, it basically confirmed that it wants to take on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi in the premium compact market. The XE gained quite a few positive reviews, but so far it has failed to surpass any of its rivals sales-wise. But, that's far from surprising, as it usually takes a few years for a product to fully establish itself on the market and steal customers from other brands. The Project 8 is yet another sign that Jaguar is aiming high and if the preliminary output figure is accurate, this sedan will destroy everything in its path. Unless BMW and Mercedes-Benz come up with significantly more powerful versions of the M3 and AMG C63, the XE SV will win this contest by far.