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Le Mans Classic: wowed by Jag's Project 7

  • F-Type Project 7 debut at Le Mans Classic
  • D-type grabbed overall victory in Grid 3
  • Project 7 completed laps with first D-type

LE MANS, France - The F-Type Project 7, said to be the most powerful and fastest production Jaguar yet, made its debut in front of packed crowds during the 2014 Le Mans Classic race from July 4-6.

In celebration of the Jaguar D-type’s 60th anniversary, a car which won Le Mans three times and from which the Project 7 draws inspiration, the F-Type Project 7 completed laps throughout the weekend alongside the very first D-type and with several examples of the new F-Type R Coupe.

A number of Jaguars competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Classic, the highlight of which was automaker's victory in Grid 3 (for cars from 1957-1961) claimed by a D-type driven by Gary Pearson and Chris Harris.

FASTEST PRODUCTION JAG YET

The sports car is the first performance vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations team and only 250 will be assembled, based on the current F-Type V8 R. The car will sell for the equivalent of R2.4-million and each will carry a numbered plaque signed by Jaguar design director Ian Callum.

GALLERY: 2014 Jaguar F-Type Project 7 at Le Mans Classic
VIDEO: 2014 Jaguar F-Type Project 7

The single-seat sports car went, incredibly, from sketch pad to track in only four months. The Project 7 is Jaguar’s fastest and most powerful production car yet. Its supercharged five-litre V8 capable of 422kW/680Nm (the F-Type coupe delivers 405kW) , delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed gearbox.

The V8 takes the car, weighing 1585kg, to 100km/h in 3.9sec and limited top speed is 300km/h.

PASSION FOR OUR CARS'

The Project 7 has a removable roof and 196-litres of stowage space.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations managing director John Edwards said: "Special Operations exists to develop a suite of products and services that enable our most discerning and enthusiastic customers to indulge their passion for our cars. The F-Type Project 7 is a perfect example. 

“It's the most powerful production Jaguar yet built and pays homage to Jaguar's seven Le Mans victories with distinctive design cues inspired by the Jaguar D-Type which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2014." 

Watch Mike Hawthorn drive the Jaguar D-Type at Le Mans 1956!

Jaguar's seven Le Mans victories

1951 - C-type Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead
1953 - C-type Tony Rolt, Duncan Hamilton
1955 - D-type Mike Hawthorn, Ivor Bueb
1956 - D-type Ron Flockhart, Ninian Sanderson
1957 - D-type Ron Flockhart, Ivor Bueb
1988 - XJR-9LM  Jan Lammers, Johnny Dumfries, Andy Wallace
1990 - XJR-12  John Nielsen, Price Cobb, Martin Brundle

Click here for full specifications of the Jaguar F-Type Project Seven
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