RE: Harry Metcalfe talks JLR Special Ops

[Quickmoose]

Can't help thinking a more radical or even clean sheet design would've been better. The F-Type is a masterpiece in coupe OR convertible form.
I think adding bits and bobs to it and cutting things off it just take it further away from aesthetic perfection rather than towards it.
Bit of a mess...too many compromises. I'm sure it'll drive well and be a real experience to drive...but I'd be looking over my shoulder more at a coupe than I would at this...

[RenesisEvo]

monthefish said:

I don't get what you mean by 'suddenly'. These type of operations have been around for years, for most manufacturers, Jaguar included.

...

Again, I'm not understanding the point you're trying to make. Cars have been 'personalise-able' from just after Henry Ford said about 'having any colour you want so long as it's black' onwards.
Look at Mini for example.
Even if it is an outlet for the wealthy, again I don't understand the issue with it.

I know these types of operation are far from new, I remember reading about Land Rover's special vehicles as a small child. MINI/Ford misses the point a bit - I'm talking about proper bespoke personalisation - not 'here's four different colours for this bit of trim, pick one', but 'I want that trim that colour, that pattern on that, that covered in leather...' Think of it as the difference between ordering from the menu, and asking the chef directly want you want on your plate.

'Suddenly' was perhaps the wrong word, - the point is I don't recall such a rush of marketing for these types of outfit from the manufacturers, and that to me cheapens the whole deal. It smacks of marketing men rubbing their hands with glee, when it should be (and hopefully is) talented engineers and designers being given free reign to cater for wealthy enthusiasts. They should be there if you want them, but not shouting out 'If you've got the money we can prove beyond doubt it can't buy taste' (I admit not all the end results are hideous). I also feel that lots and lots of bespoke one-offs becomes self-defeating - consider the Veyron with 20+ special editions, or the final-final-final-wepromiseitsthelastonethistime Zonda. If you swamp the market with one-offs, the effect is diluted. I still think the automotive world is definitely a better place for having them, but restraint is needed.

[EricE]

Quickmoose said:

Can't help thinking a more radical or even clean sheet design would've been better. The F-Type is a masterpiece in coupe OR convertible form.
I think adding bits and bobs to it and cutting things off it just take it further away from aesthetic perfection rather than towards it.
Bit of a mess...too many compromises. I'm sure it'll drive well and be a real experience to drive...but I'd be looking over my shoulder more at a coupe than I would at this...

Exactly what I thought as well! When you start with a gem like the F-Type which is one of the best designed cars of our time in terms of the balance of proportions, it gives you a very tough act to follow. Unlike for example the 987 Boxster S to the Boxster Spyder.
I strongly prefer the looks of the R Coupé to this car, so in that sense it is not really a halo car to me even though I admire the idea.

Edited by EricE on Thursday 26th June 22:12

[bobberz]

monthefish said:

RenesisEvo said:

Whilst I am pleased to see JLR pushing their special operations, and kudos to Metcalfe for putting his money where his mouth is, I just can't shake the feeling this is another outlet of vulgarity for the wealthy. Suddenly we have Q by Aston Martin, MSO (McLaren), as well as the older, more established ones like Porsche Exclusive, BMW Individual, and going back further, Rolls Royce Bespoke, to name but a few.

I don't get what you mean by 'suddenly'. These type of operations have been around for years, for most manufacturers, Jaguar included.
15 years ago, it was called SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) who came up with this:

XK180

and the Manual X100 XKR
(as well as the XK with the rear mounted gun for the James Bond film)

RenesisEvo said:

I'm all for one-offs and coachbuilt specials (e.g. Glickenhaus' P4/5, Clapton's SP12 EC, McLaren X-1, Aston Martin CC100), as they provide interesting stories and curio for the enthusiast, but we're now arriving at the situation where everyone's car is unique, just like everyone else's...

Again, I'm not understanding the point you're trying to make. Cars have been 'personalise-able' from just after Henry Ford said about 'having any colour you want so long as it's black' onwards.
Look at Mini for example.
Even if it is an outlet for the wealthy, again I don't understand the issue with it.

The XK180 is one of my favorite concepts of the last 15 years or so. Beautiful car. I remember when it came out the magazines were spouting rumors of an "E-type successor, possibly called the F-type". Well, they were right, if quite a bit premature!

Having driven an F-type V8S, I absolutely love them. The sound.... especially the sound! Interestingly, it's a rather small car by modern standards, but this pic from the original article shows just how massive even two-seat sports cars have gotten!



As to JLR's racing activities, hasn't an XK-R been knocking about GT racing recently? I'm guessing that was a privateer effort? I agree that it'd be great to have Jag back in racing as a full factory effort.

I'm always baffled as to why Jag refuse to acknowledge the XJ220, my favorite supercar from that era. They quote this as being the first Jag to do 0-60 in less than four seconds. I'm fairly certain the XJ220 was a bit quicker, in the 3.5 second range? Similarly, I recall a couple years ago Jag advertisements for the (XKR-S?) saying it was the "fastest production Jaguar ever".

[bobberz]

MogulBoy said:

I would be interested to see some more info about the “Bimini” roof.

Harry certainly has personal experience of this…


However, this would appear to be a much better compromise…

Now I see why Ferrari went with the absurdly complex (and apparently troublesome, from what I've heard) pivoting carbon fiber roof panel for the "official" open-top Maranello, the 575 SuperAmerica. Both of those are hideous!

Edited for possibly disturbing content because, "the children! Think of the children!"

[pagani1]

Manufacturers are all doing specials- if you have the money! Nothing new here and good luck Jaguar, having seen Ferrari make loads of profit from this route with FXX, GTO, F40, F50, Enzo etc etc. As for Pagani- glory to them too for their succession of 1 off Zondas- I really don't have a problem with this type of marketing, just a shame I can't afford it myself.
Great to see Harry still at it, I too have volunteered to keep his fleet in trim but he enjoys it too much himself despite my initials being on his Countach plate. Good on yer Harry! Can we have a Ecurie Ecosse edition too? With central wheel spinners like Porsche are now making, and maybe a 4C rival at the bottom of the range but not based on the F-Type but a new lighter rethink sort of a skunkworks design with less frills and more thrills.

[bobberz]

pagani1 said:

Manufacturers are all doing specials- if you have the money! Nothing new here and good luck Jaguar, having seen Ferrari make loads of profit from this route with FXX, GTO, F40, F50, Enzo etc etc. As for Pagani- glory to them too for their succession of 1 off Zondas- I really don't have a problem with this type of marketing, just a shame I can't afford it myself.
Great to see Harry still at it, I too have volunteered to keep his fleet in trim but he enjoys it too much himself despite my initials being on his Countach plate. Good on yer Harry! Can we have a Ecurie Ecosse edition too? With central wheel spinners like Porsche are now making, and maybe a 4C rival at the bottom of the range but not based on the F-Type but a new lighter rethink sort of a skunkworks design with less frills and more thrills.

I think a properly lightweight Jag sports car would be fantastic with the drivetrain from the V6S, but with a manual transmission. I'm thinking a modern interpretation of the C-Type. Not going to happen, but we can dream, right?

[DanielSan]

I think it looks fantastic. And it'd sit perfectly next to my XKR-S GT in my garage..... That's sadly in my head

[DonkeyApple]

bobberz said:

I'm always baffled as to why Jag refuse to acknowledge the XJ220, my favorite supercar from that era. They quote this as being the first Jag to do 0-60 in less than four seconds. I'm fairly certain the XJ220 was a bit quicker, in the 3.5 second range? Similarly, I recall a couple years ago Jag advertisements for the (XKR-S?) saying it was the "fastest production Jaguar ever".

That's a good point. Is it because TW built them or the stigma or just oversight?

[M4SER]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try and answer some of the questions raised.

1) Roof is under development, with several options being tested. The proposed roof will be similar to the one fitted to the Boxster Spyder and my Ferrari Barchetta (not the standard Barchetta top) and clips to the front header rail and then to two fixing points either side of the roll hoops, inside the rear boot area. Top speed will be limited to 200km/h when fitted.

2) Why no new tech? Project 7 is a limited run special edition, designed to appeal to enthusiasts on a purely emotional level through its design, exclusiveness and raw driver appeal. It we added new tech, it would have taken a lot longer to bring to market and would cost way more than the 135K guide price.

3) Project 7 is just the the start of an exciting new line of exclusive vehicles from JLR Special Operations...

I'm on the Jaguar stand at Goodwood FoS Friday, Saturday and Sunday and very happy to give guided tours round Project 7, as well as answering any questions you might have. Look forward to seeing you there!

HM

[beach bum]

Stripes and roundels on a car that in not destined to compete look cheap IMHO. The rear spoiler spoils the cars lines too.

Bespoke touches like, lightweight period looking bucket seats,period looking fonts for the instruments, different interior switches and toggles, maybe a completely different steering wheel, will help the car stand out from the other F-types.

Some replica Dunlop wheels on slightly taller rubber would look much more special than black alloys.

Since you are using the iconic D-type as an ispiration, you might as well borrow more clues from it.

[chelme]

M4SER said:

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try and answer some of the questions raised.

1) Roof is under development, with several options being tested. The proposed roof will be similar to the one fitted to the Boxster Spyder and my Ferrari Barchetta (not the standard Barchetta top) and clips to the front header rail and then to two fixing points either side of the roll hoops, inside the rear boot area. Top speed will be limited to 200km/h when fitted.

2) Why no new tech? Project 7 is a limited run special edition, designed to appeal to enthusiasts on a purely emotional level through its design, exclusiveness and raw driver appeal. It we added new tech, it would have taken a lot longer to bring to market and would cost way more than the 135K guide price.

3) Project 7 is just the the start of an exciting new line of exclusive vehicles from JLR Special Operations...

I'm on the Jaguar stand at Goodwood FoS Friday, Saturday and Sunday and very happy to give guided tours round Project 7, as well as answering any questions you might have. Look forward to seeing you there!

HM

Thanks for responding to our comments.

Can you confirm whether Jaguar will be back racing in the GT3 Class categories any time soon? I think the comments above regarding competition pedigree are valid and I hope that Jaguar has not forgotten the very important role competition success plays in Marketing sports cars.

I for one would like to see Jaguar do well and it'd be fantastic to be in a position to consider purchasing a GT3 inspired lightweight F-type Coupe (with a manual or to a lesser degree super-quick dct) in the next 10 years.

[Gorbyrev]

Well done Harry, top job! The Project 7 looks and sounds amazing, enjoyed Jay Leno taking it for a spin. The Ecurie Ecosse colours looked great too. As for the rich enthusiast gripe that has always been true. Duesenbergs, Bugattis and Bentley were all well out of reach in their day and often wore bespoke bodywork. But the rest of us still get to look at them and appreciate the fact they exist.

[delays]

Great to see JLR building the brand by investing in great product.

It's a strategy which has seemingly been forgotten of late, bar a few notable exceptions - when it comes to car companies, I think people tend to remember really cool cars for longer as opposed to strap lines, special offers, billboards etc.

Good move, well done on convincing the board to green-light the whole project!

[Qwert1e]

Quickmoose said:

I'd be looking over my shoulder more at a coupe than I would at this...

Agreed. Fundamentally the same car with a "special edition" flavour and a hefty price tag.

[TheDeadPrussian]

M4SER said:

I'm on the Jaguar stand at Goodwood FoS Friday, Saturday and Sunday and very happy to give guided tours round Project 7, as well as answering any questions you might have. Look forward to seeing you there!

HM

I took Harry up on his offer and spent some time talking to him on Friday around mid-morning about Project 7; his insights in to the project were fantastic and it is clear he is a true enthusiast who has poured his heart and soul in to this car.

However, earlier that morning at around 0830 I was given a tour of the car by the Jaguar Events Manager, Jonathan. It is a car you really have to see in the metal to fully appreciate – it is stunning, the proportions and design are just right, the shorter windscreen, the aero hump, they all go towards making it look really special and very distinct. To my eyes, it just doesn’t look like a convertible F-Type…

I was so impressed I submitted a Letter of Interest immediately and I hope to hear pretty soon if I have been lucky enough to have been allocated a car. Here’s hoping, because it really is something special.

[MogulBoy]

What's the latest on the prospect of a manual transmission for the F-Type? I recall reading some articles back in April/May and it sounded like it was on (AWD was also mentioned).

[monthefish]

MogulBoy said:

What's the latest on the prospect of a manual transmission for the F-Type? I recall reading some articles back in April/May and it sounded like it was on (AWD was also mentioned).

AWD XJ and XF are definitely on the way, so no inconceivable that F-Type has AWD in the pipeline too.

[JDMDrifter]

I love Jaguar's modern ways and then having their own spec ops division sounds awesome. Can we please have some truly mental cars and some uber luxury ones, my suggestions. Feel free to hire me

XFRS GT - Fully stripped 2 seater with a huge rollcage, mad power, flared arches and semi slicks

XJS - Maybe an bespoke XJR coupe to rival the new S Class Coupe ?

[M4SER]

TheDeadPrussian said:

I took Harry up on his offer and spent some time talking to him on Friday around mid-morning about Project 7; his insights in to the project were fantastic and it is clear he is a true enthusiast who has poured his heart and soul in to this car.

However, earlier that morning at around 0830 I was given a tour of the car by the Jaguar Events Manager, Jonathan. It is a car you really have to see in the metal to fully appreciate – it is stunning, the proportions and design are just right, the shorter windscreen, the aero hump, they all go towards making it look really special and very distinct. To my eyes, it just doesn’t look like a convertible F-Type…

I was so impressed I submitted a Letter of Interest immediately and I hope to hear pretty soon if I have been lucky enough to have been allocated a car. Here’s hoping, because it really is something special.

Thanks for dropping by the stand and great to hear you liked the car. If you submitted a 'Letter of Interest' on Friday am, then you should be okay. Demand for Project 7 has been overwhelming with the UK allocation provisionally filled and another 100 or so customers on a waiting list (just in the UK). We are now working through the allocation process, so expect a call from Jaguar confirming your position on the list and that you want to move to the next stage.

For anyone else interested in buying a car, there's still availability in Europe (and the Far East) for LHD cars, as well as the USA, but if demand here in the UK is anything to go by, then this may change very quickly. Whatever happens, the total build number of 250 units is set in stone.

Next stop is Classic Le Mans where the Project 7 you saw at Goodwood will be lapping the circuit in the very capable hands of Le Mans winner, Andy Wallace. I'm there from Saturday morning so if anyone here wants a guided tour round the car then please come over and say hello!

Edited by M4SER on Thursday 3rd July 09:11