This is a one-off that everyone here at PRN Ignition hopes will become a few-off. Project 7 is a revamped, sportscar-inspired convertible F-Type created by Lead Designer and creator extraordinaire, Ian Callum. You've previously seen his work on countless luxury brands, as well as Jaguar's new renditions of the XF, XK and XJ.
The name is an homage to the company's seven wins at Le Mans from 1951 to 1990 - a record for any British automaker. The blue paint scheme and matching helmet are a tribute to the glorious D-types of 1956/57.
The car will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in two days (July 12); whether or not it marks Jaguar's return to the foray of motorsports remains to be seen.
From Jaguar:
Jaguar Project 7 will make a dynamic debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Project 7, created by the team led by Director of Design, Ian Callum, is a one-off design study based on the acclaimed new Jaguar F-TYPE
A single-seater, all-aluminium bodied roadster, Project 7 features a Jaguar D-type-inspired fairing, bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic components, and a unique interior
Powered by Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine in 542 hp / 502 lb-ft of torque form, Project 7 will reach 102 km/h in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of almost 300 km/h.
Project 7 will be driven at Goodwood by Mike Cross, Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity at Jaguar.
"Project 7 is a single-seater sports car based on the F-TYPE, with the kind of racing-inspired form that designers dream about," says Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar. "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."
Project 7 is based on Jaguar's acclaimed F-TYPE, its all-new, two-seater, convertible sports car and winner of the World Car Design of the Year 2013 award.
Key exterior design changes include a fairing behind the driver's head; bespoke carbon-fibre components - a new front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser; lowered windshield and restyled front bumper. Project 7's unique interior features a composite single-seat with racing harness, a helmet holder and custom trim.
Project 7 is not a static concept, but a fully-functional, high-performance sports car. The F-TYPE's rigid all-aluminium architecture provides the perfect starting point, power coming from Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in 550PS/680Nm form - an increase of 55PS and 55Nm over the F-TYPE V8 S.
