A somewhat new Jaguar designer in the department, Cesar Pieri, sketched up an improved F-Type that was inspired by the D-Type racer back in the 1950’s. The department was so overcome by the design of the Jaguar Project 7, that it immediately started the development process in just four months and was shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ian Callum, stated “The D-Type was our last real race car. The number seven refers to our Le Mans wins and it’s a great graphic to use on the car. Does it mean we’re going racing again? There’s nothing planned in that respect, but it proves we’re not frightened of our heritage like we used to be.” The new Jaguar Project 7 is anything but old-fashion. Just like the F-Type, the rear end, doors, bonnet, and fenders are the same. The real changes are the shortened windscreen and front end, rear deck, and a ton of sporty add-ons everywhere. Like the original D-Type, Project 7 has a fin, but it’s just be instead has a lower arc that rises out of the rear deck.
There are also aerodynamic benefits that reduce turbulence caused by the driver’s head and the structural roll hood is hidden beneath it. If you work your way towards the front to back, the bar that is in the front grille has been removed, the air intakes have enlarged, and carbon-fiber splitter are attached to match the wings. The carbon-fiber is located on the extended side sills, 20-inch wheels, and rear diffuser. The new Jaguar Project 7 weighs about 44 lbs less than the Jaguar F-Type, with the roof mechanism removed. Suspension is also dropped almost half an inch, and the driver’s seat is also lower by 2 inches.
Since there is no U.K. manufacturer as such short notice like the U.S. did, there won’t be any many tire options that are on the F-Type’s options list. Off the tire wall, there are shaved moldings off the standard tire wall. With only some tire templates, the rubber was hand-painted.
Unlike the F-Type and many vehicles, there is only strictly one design. On the test drive there was nothing to complain about being held in with a four-point harness and low sinking seat. With 550 horsepower, eight-speed automatic transmission, revised software, and the drive-train is a 5.0-liter supercharged DOHC 32-valve V8. The top speed is 186 mph and reaches 0 to 62 in just 4.1 seconds.
Unfortunately, Project 7 will never hit showrooms. As Jaguar design boss Callum insists that there are, “no plans to take the Project 7 further.” But instead of focusing on the negative, we should applaud Jaguar Company for staying true to their heritage and turn fantasy into reality.
Article Source: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/convertibles/1309_jaguar_project_7_first_drive/
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