Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sets new speed record

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 600PS, 200mph fourdoor road-legal sedan lapped the 2.238-mile WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 1min 37.54sec - 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 is a sedan with genuine supercar performance. Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations engineers fine-tuned the car on some of the world’s most thrilling test tracks, including Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife. Late last year, XE SV Project 8 lapped the 12.9-mile circuit in a record 7min 21.23sec.

Michael van der Sande, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations managing director, said, “This Laguna Seca lap record is another powerful demonstration of the Jaguar XE SV Project 8’s performance credentials.

“Designed, engineered and hand-assembled by Special Vehicle Operations, this record- breaking sedan is made for the world’s most demanding driving enthusiasts.”

Project 8 is the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s XE sports sedan. 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 5l V8 engine and a bespoke rear differential. Unlike most high-performance production sedans, the all-wheel-drive XE SV Project 8 is studded with genuine 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 propel the car from 0-60 mph in 3.3sec and an electronically lim- ited top speed of 200mph. 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.