Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Things you Might not Know

Jaguar unveiled the XE SV Project 8 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. To the untrained eye, it might look like just another mid-size saloon with a flashy paint job and a large wing stuck up its rear. Well, as it turns out, a lot of clever engineering has gone into making the Project 8.

Here are some things you might not know about the Jaguar XE SV Project 8:

Did you know, the supercharged V8 in the Project 8 is good for about 800 hp? Part of the engine’s performance is used to drive the supercharger.

The complete front end is done in carbon fiber. Also, the bonnet had to have a vent or else it would get ripped off at 200 mph.

To bring the Project 8 to a stop from 200 mph requires enormous braking power. Fitting carbon ceramics was Jaguar’s only option. However, the XE was never designed to accommodate 15.7-inch rotors and 20-inch wheels. So, the complete wheel well had to be redesigned and that meant the headlamps had to moved forward.

It’s the world’s first production car to use ceramic wheel bearings.

For some, the massive rear spoiler might seem a bit too brash and that’s understandable. But in fact, the wing helps balance the front-to-rear downforce.

The XE SV Project 8 is only available in left-hand-drive. That’s because the driveshaft going to the front axle sits on the right hand side of the engine leaving no place for a steering rack. To make a right-hand drive version, the engine would have to be raised to accommodate both components. That would’ve messed up the center of gravity and upset the handling.

It has 55 mm wider rear track which gives it those sexy, swollen wheel arches. This meant, the rear door had to be stamped using a redesigned form.

The Project 8 has a completely flat floor to aide aerodynamic performance. It also has a massive diffuser neatly hidden away from view. It hasn’t got a boot well for a spare tire like on a standard XE which opens up a big area under the boot where air is sucked in at high speeds creating downforce.

The four-seat version of the XE SV Project 8 even has an ISOFIX point at the rear.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Things you Might not Know