Project 8 – Memories Of A Joyous Jaguar

A recent YouTube video reminded me of a brief drive I had some four years or so ago in a rather special Jaguar.

The XE SV Project 8 was a car that defied conventional logic yet managed to captivate with its sheer audacity and performance. This supercharged V8 monster took the humble XE saloon and transformed it into a track-focused beast that could still be driven on public roads.

At the heart of the Project 8 was a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine producing a staggering 592bhp and 516lb ft of torque. This power was sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

The result was explosive acceleration, with 0-60mph dispatched in just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 200mph. On UK roads, the Project 8's performance was nothing short of breathtaking. The supercharged V8 delivered a relentless surge of power, accompanied by a glorious soundtrack that combined V8 rumble with supercharger whine.

Overtaking was a mere formality, with the car's immense power reserve allowing for rapid progress in any situation. Despite its considerable weight of 1,800kg, the Project 8 displayed remarkable agility on twisting B-roads.

The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, allowing me to deploy the full might of the V8 with confidence. The steering was precise and responsive, offering good feedback and allowing for accurate placement of the car through corners.

The ride quality was surprisingly well-judged for a car of this nature. While undeniably firm, the Project 8 managed to absorb bumps and imperfections without feeling overly harsh. This was particularly impressive given the car's track-focused nature and the presence of carbon ceramic brakes and Cup 2 tyres.

In Touring specification, the Project 8 retained its rear seats and lost the massive rear wing, making it a more viable proposition for daily use.

The interior, while based on the standard XE, featured high-quality leather seats and carbon fibre trim to remind you of the car's special nature. However, it's worth noting that the Project 8 was only available in left-hand drive, which did take some getting used to on UK roads.

There’s no doubt the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 was an extraordinary machine that showcased what Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations was capable of. It offered supercar-rivalling performance in a practical saloon body, with handling dynamics that belied its size and weight.

Some 300 cars were scheduled for production, but changing emissions regulations reduced this by around a third. And then there was the price – around £150,000 if memory serves me correctly.

So, the Project 8 will always be a rare sight on UK roads and for those fortunate enough to experience it, they will find a car that combines raw power with surprising usability. It was a fitting flagship for Jaguar's performance range and a thrilling drive on British tarmac.

A quick look on Autotrader shows one Project 8 for sale. It’s only done 1,650 miles and is up for £99,950 with Joe Macari Performance Cars.