Skip advert
Advertisement

2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 review – performance and 0-60 time

Jaguar's XE SV Project 8 takes a rather extreme approach to the supersaloon recipe than most, but has an equally extreme price tag to match

Evo rating
Price
from £149,995
  • Performance, poise and ability on track, usable on road, bombastic soundtrack
  • Cup 2 tyres struggle in the wet, a few levels above the usual saloon price point

Project 8 overcomes its weight to post a 3.3-second 0-62mph time and, in Track spec, a 200mph top speed. Touring models are equally capable off the line, but without the downforce provided by that rear wing, top speed has been limited to 186mph – still rapid, obviously, but not quite so headline-grabbing.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The manner of the car’s performance is more important than the sheer numbers, though, and we can confirm it feels blisteringly fast. You’re conscious of piloting a large, heavy object, so the Project 8’s acceleration has that slightly unhinged, physics-defying feeling of all big, heavy cars that overcome their mass through traction and sheer grunt.

Jaguar’s V8 has never sounded better, either. Supercharger whine has largely been consigned to the history books – it’s still there, but no longer so audible – but the Jag’s exhaust note hits with the consistency, volume and heart-stopping power of artillery fire. Throttle response is keen right from the off, and acceleration doesn’t abate, from the first few revs above tickover, all the way to the red line.

Project 8’s brakes are more than up to the task of dragging circa 1.8 tons back down to sensible velocities, but a little more pedal feel wouldn’t go amiss, just for some extra reassurance.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Jaguar F-Type (2013 - 2024) review and buyer’s guide
F Type header
Reviews

Used Jaguar F-Type (2013 - 2024) review and buyer’s guide

Stylish, sporty and still good to drive, the Jaguar F-Type is growing old very gracefully
8 Nov 2024
Volkswagen Golf R v Golf GTI Clubsport – car pictures of the week
Volkswagen Golf GTI v Golf R
Features

Volkswagen Golf R v Golf GTI Clubsport – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test the Mk8.5 Golf R against the GTI Clubsport – these are our favourite shots
10 Nov 2024
Ferrari California – the car world's greatest misses
Ferrari California
Features

Ferrari California – the car world's greatest misses

A Ferrari by name, but not sufficiently Ferrari-like in its behaviour, the noughties Cali was a hard car to love
7 Nov 2024