The Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 retains the distinctive, minimalist design of the original 2013 concept. That design study was penned as a spare-time experiment that blended Jaguar’s rich racing heritage with its then-new, groundbreaking sports car line, the F-TYPE. Under Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum, the sketch – of a single-seater sports car with a swooping profile, muscular stance and cut-down windscreen – went from paper to digital model to the Goodwood hillclimb in the space of just a few months, and has now become a production car.
“F-TYPE Project 7 is the perfect example of how, as a design team, we can move quickly with our engineering colleagues to go from concept vehicle to production reality – we’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible without losing any purity of form.
Modern, purposeful and with a stance that screams intent, F-TYPE Project 7 is the perfect contemporary embodiment of the D-type that inspired it.” Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
F-TYPE Project 7’s key ‘heartlines’ remain those of the World Car Design Award-winning F-TYPE sports car. They effortlessly blend with the D-type-inspired rear fairing section that incorporates a rollover hoop and swoops rearwards and down from behind the driver’s head. Being a two-seater, F-TYPE Project 7 features a second rollover hoop, behind the passenger seat.
Extensive aerodynamic modifications on F-TYPE Project 7 include a front splitter with a lower section made of moulded plastic and an upper section in carbon-fibre. Side skirts, rear diffuser and an adjustable rear spoiler are all made of carbon-fibre. These components together mean the F-TYPE Project 7 generates 177% more downforce than F-TYPE Convertible at its top speed of 186mph.
The rear deck, bonnet vents, side vent louvres and mirror caps are also all made of carbon-fibre. The windscreen length is reduced by 114mm, reducing overall height by 30.5mm, with new side windows to match the profile. A Bimini roof has been specially designed for F-TYPE Project 7. It clips on to the convertible header rail, and can be conveniently folded and, when not in use, stowed in the boot area – which offers 196-litres of load space.
The driver and passenger of F-TYPE Project 7 sit in lightweight race-inspired bucket seats, which are finished in a quilted racing-style diamond pattern. Four-point racing harnesses are available as an accessory. The interior features carbon-fibre veneer inserts on the console, an Alcantara steering wheel (with leather option), machined aluminium gearshift paddles and bespoke treadplates with the Project 7 logo.
Enhancing its unique appeal, the 2014 F-TYPE Project 7 will be hand-built to exacting standards by Special Operations, and offered in an exclusive, limited-edition production run of up to 250 units globally. Each car will sport a specially numbered plaque, located between the two seats, signed by Ian Callum.
F-TYPE Project 7, whose name acknowledges Jaguar’s seven historic Le Mans race wins, will be offered in five metallic colours: Ultra Blue, Caldera Red, British Racing Green (all with white decal options), Ultimate Black and Glacier White (both with grey decal options).
