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Until last month, the legendary Spartans of Thermopylae would have been the most famous 300 you would have heard of. It’d have to take a lot to top them, right? Well, last month Jaguar managed to do that, unveiling their XE SV Project 8 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. Much to the despair of the global motoring community, Jaguar stated that only 300 models would be available worldwide. And when you see just what Jag has produced, you’ll fight like a Spartan to get your hands on one.
A product of the company’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department, the Project 8 car has got some serious specs. Powered by a 441kW supercharged 5.0L V8, the four-door sedan can reach a top speed of 200mph, and 0-60mph in 3.3sec, making it the most powerful road car ever produced by the company.
Another first for the company’s road car line is the use of a new Carbon Ceramic Braking system, as well as F1-style wheel bearings, put in place to tame the monster under the hood. Combined with a revamped body kit, including carbon fibre and titanium air splitters, an adjustable rear wing and an all-wheel drive system, Jaguar’s Project 8 is one serious car.
But it’s not just the raw power that’s serious, the car comes with a computing system and interior to match. Featuring magnesium-framed performance seats, custom designs and glare reducing Alcantara covers, the interior is as sleek as the outside. Drivers will also be treated to a 12.3inch display system behind the steering wheel, as well as a 10.2inch screen Touch Pro Infotainment screen with Dynamic-i technology, enabling remote control via the Jaguar InControl app available on both Apple and Android. The 380W sound system should also come in handy if you ever get tired of hearing the V8 and revamped exhaust, but can’t imagine that happening too often.
Track Pack Option
Non Track Pack Option
Jaguar also provides a Track Pack option for those who really want to experience what the Project 8 model can do. Weighing 12kg less, the Track Pack includes harness seatbelts, and substitutes a roll cage for the rear seats, giving you the race car feel.
The improved suspension lowers 15mm when put into Track Mode, giving more grip and control as the car flies around on the standard 20inch alloys. Combined with the tweaked 8-speed automatic transmission, capable of switching gears in 0.2secs, it’s almost unfair to classify the Project 8 as a sedan instead of a supercar or race car. If you get the chance to get behind the wheel, the word "monster" would be the only way to classify Jaguar’s latest creation.
All images © 2017 Jaguar Land Rover.