SAN JOSE: Jaguar’s supercar-rivalling XE SV Project 8 has confirmed its status as the world’s fastest four-door car by setting a new track record.
The 592hp, 320kph four-door road-legal sedan lapped the 3.6km WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 1 min 37.54 sec – almost a second faster than the previous production sedan record – with racing driver Randy Pobst at the wheel.
The most extreme Jaguar yet produced, XE SV Project 8 was fine-tuned by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations engineers on some of the world’s most demanding test tracks, including Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife. Late last year XE SV Project 8 lapped the 21km circuit in a record 7 min 21.23 sec.
“This Laguna Seca lap record is another powerful demonstration of the Jaguar XE SV Project 8’s performance credentials,” said Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations managing director Michael van der Sande.
“This record-breaking sedan is made for the world’s most demanding driving enthusiasts.”
While based on XE’s lightweight aluminium-intensive monocoque, each of the 300 hand-built Project 8 cars are modified at the SV Technical Centre in Coventry to accommodate the specially tuned, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine and a bespoke rear differential.
Unlike most high-performance production sedans, the all-wheel-drive XE SV Project 8 is studded with motor racing technology such as F1-style ceramic wheel bearings, adjustable ride height and adjustable camber.
The front and rear fenders are bespoke to accommodate larger, wider, wheels which are necessitated by the larger brakes.
The V8’s power is routed through all four Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres through an eight-speed Quickshift automatic ZF transmission, helping to propel the car from 0-100kph in 3.3sec and an electronically limited top speed of 320kph.
In order to achieve this performance, the car receives significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, including a “Track” mode for maximum downforce and further improvements to the damping, throttle and steering response.
Project 8 is available in two specifications. The standard four-seat model features Jaguar’s latest front Performance seats with magnesium frames, plus a more heavily contoured rear squab to maximise support. The optional two-seat Track Pack includes lightweight front carbon fibre racing seats with four-point harnesses fixed to a harness retention hoop in place of the rear seat.
Project 8 is priced from £149,995 (RM812,000) in Britain.
Keyword: Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sets new speed record