The Jaguar F-Type has barely arrived and Jaguar's Special Operations team is now offering a loony performance D-Type Le Mans winning inspired special for 250 lucky, deep-pocketed customers.
Changes
Up goes the power, and down goes the weight, the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine's output upped by 25hp to a headier 575hp, while torque of 680Nm will ensure the tyres smoke easily enough. Weight's down, says Jaguar, by around 80kg in comparison to the V8 Roadster alternative. This allows the F-Type Project 7 to reach 100km/h in 3.8 seconds - a drop of 0.1 seconds. You're unlikely to really notice that, though the quad, matt black ceramic coated outboard mounted tailpipes should ensure you'll hear it.
Anything else?
Just look at it, as if you need any more reason to buy one. Should you, then perhaps the specially adapted suspension, Carbon Matrix brakes and torque vectoring may help persuade you. Jag's Mike Cross promises an involving drive, while designer Ian Callum suggests it's: "the contemporary embodiment of the D-Type that inspired it".
More please!
Keep raiding your history if this is the sort of thing Special Operations is coming up with we say. This 'halo project' may be limited to just 250 examples, but for every customer who buys one we have unwavering respect. If you're that lucky person not only will you have one of the best looking F-Type variants to date, but you'll sit in a cabin that's finished with lightweight racing seats (with optional four-point harnesses) and carbon veneer weave on the centre console. That it's got a stripe across its bonnet and over the wings, a white circle for race numbers on the doors, an aero fairing behind the driver and small roll hoop behind where the passenger would usually sit, plus a huge wing and rear diffuser, only adds to its appeal.
Weather protection is scant, mind; though really you'd be an absolute hero to drive this in the wet given how wild the standard car is on damp roads. If you're that person, give us a shout, as we want a go.
Prices? No word yet, but it won't be cheap, nor should it be, sounding and looking like that. More of this please Special Operations...