Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations
Responsible for creating cars with epic performance, enhanced luxury and with the latest cutting-edge technology, Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations showcases the ultimate Jaguar halo models, offering exclusive SV-badged models, limited-run collectors' editions, as well as unique engineered projects too.
Essentially, these are the very best the Jaguar brand has to offer, and the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is just one of the special cars that forms part of its fine back catalogue from when it was showcased back in 2017.
Discover more about this special car in our spotlight article below, which includes the following sections:
- Why was the Project 8 made?
- What makes the Project 8 so special?
- Project 8 made its world debut at Goodwood
- The Jaguar Project 8 left its mark on the Nürburgring
- What are the values of the Project 8 today?
Why was the Project 8 made?
By now, we are used to seeing how high performance road cars can tempt the petrolheads and keen drivers of this world to part with their hard-earned. The 'Win on Sunday, sell on Monday' mantra has seen those who love motorsport often buy the road-legal version from their favoured manufacturer, whether it be a BMW M car, Mercedes-AMG or similar.
With Jaguar having a past steeped in racing history too, and after the success of the F-TYPE Project 7 (pictured with the Project 8 above), Jaguar decided to further their specialist selection with the introduction of a limited-edition super saloon that could give those who favour the German super saloons something to think about. Step forward the XE SV Project 8.
Whilst the German manufacturers have a history with high performance offerings, this was a very different move from Jaguar. The Jaguar XE until the Project 8 offered a warm version at best, which would not trouble any of BMW M or Mercedes-AMG models, whilst the Project 8 would certainly would, and then some.
What makes the Project 8 so special?
With only 300 made, the Project 8 intentions showed from the off, with its exclusivity. And with 592bhp offered, via a characterful 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine it also happens to be the most powerful road-legal Jaguar ever produced, ensuring a 0 to 62mph time of just 3.3 seconds, and a top speed of 200mph - this 'big cat' is properly serious.
And, with a wing as large as the Project 8's, you just know this is certainly not some mildly breathed on XE, as the wing can apply up to 122kg of downforce, to help the car stay glued to the road or track at high speeds. Alternatively, a 'Touring' spoiler which is more subtle was available on just 15 of the 300 Project 8 models.
Elsewhere, all models received carbon ceramic brakes and special forged alloy wheels and a body that makes the standard XE look properly skinny, next to the enhanced Project 8.
Project 8 made its world debut at Goodwood
There are not many better ways than to make a debut than at the world renown Goodwood Festival of Speed, so it was naturally fitting for the limited edition Jaguar Project 8 to do just that.
Seeing new supercars and the like go up the famous hill at speed is quite the spectacle, and is sure to create even more buzz around special new cars, which would have certainly helped with Project 8 orders, if those lucky enough to be able to afford one wanted to see the car in the wild - and with a 5.0-litre V8 on full chat, it was bound to cement a 'yes' to those still not sure if they wanted to leave a deposit with Jaguar.
Add in the sophistication of everything associated with Goodwood too, and you have the perfect launch pad for Jaguar and the car to appeal to its targeted customers.
The Jaguar Project 8 left its mark on the Nürburgring
For many, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is the ultimate test for any car. At over 20km long, it takes much longer than your average racetrack to complete, and therefore is quite the feat to be able to produce a quick lap time.
It was nicknamed 'The Green Hell' by legendary racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart, so when Jaguar took the record for fastest mid-range car back in 2017, before bettering it in 2019 with a lap time of 7 minutes and 23.164 seconds. Standing until 2022, when it was beaten by the new BMW M4 CSL which completed the lap in 7 minutes 20.207 seconds, before mirroring the Project 8 and further beating it the following year, shaving another two seconds off.
What are the values of the Project 8 today?
Upon launch, the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 commanded £149,999 (starting from).
At the time of writing, there seems to be a delivery mileage car for sale at circa £130,000, whilst past auction results on popular websites from 2022 show examples selling for circa £100,000. With 30 or so said to have made it to the UK out of the 300 worldwide, it comes as no surprise that they do not come up for sale often.
Perhaps the left-hand drive aspect may alter its value somewhat, but with how times are going, this will certainly be one of the most special Jaguars to be ever created, and is sure to be a collector's dream as time moves on.
Find your dream Jaguar with Stratstone
It is unlikely with their rarity that our Jaguar retailers will see many used Jaguar XE SV Project 8 examples, but what they will have is a comprehensive selection of quality used Jaguar models, along with attractive new car offers.
Alternatively, if you enjoyed this article and would like to read more, have a look at our dedicated blog section.
