XE SV Project 8 a Sign of Things to Come From Jaguar's SVO
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 served as a learning process for the automaker’s Special Vehicle Operations division that helped put it together and may be a sign of things to come from the Jaguar brand.
The XE SV Project 8, which recently enjoyed its first appearance on North American soil at Pebble Beach, is by far and away the most extreme car in its segment. It offers up 592 horsepower from its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 and also features a racing-inspired aerodynamics package, all-wheel drive and carbon ceramic brakes, among many other high-end, performance-oriented components.
Dave Foster, head of Jag’s SVO division, told Automotive News in a recent interview that his team learned a lot putting together the extreme Project 8 and will use those lessons going forward.
“It’s not a cosmetic exercise,” he said. “Every vent is doing something. Every surface has been designed to complement the drag and the aero and the lift requirements.”
“What it’s done for Dave’s team is put a lot of skills back into the business that will affect future performance car programs,” added Dan Connell, head of communications for SVO.
SEE ALSO: Limited-Run Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Fits Right in at Pebble Beach
The Project 8 will be limited to just 300 units and will sell for around $190,000. Its steep price tag and supercar-like performance figures (0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, top speed of 200 mph) make it out of the question for many consumers, but the learning process SVO underwent to build it will have an effect on its future road cars. If you’re wondering what a future SVR or ‘Project’ car from Jaguar Land Rover may be like, look no further than their track-ready XE SV.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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