The Jaguar XE has followed the SV Project 8 performance saloon onto the track by setting a unique lap record, this time around a long-forgotten Grand Prix circuit in France.
The 8km Circuit de Charade in Clermont Ferrand, which included public road sections, hosted the French Grand Prix in 1965, 1969, 1970 and 1972. It fell out of favour as loose volcanic rock and the lack of any real run-off areas took their toll on cars and drivers alike. The full, longer circuit was last used in 1988 so Jaguar returned to the historic track to mark the anniversary of its closure by completing the first flying lap of the circuit in three decades.
After completing the fastest ever lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a production saloon behind the wheel of the XE’s track-ready stablemate, the SV Project 8, driver Vincent Radermecker attempted to set a production saloon lap record in the XE 300 SPORT. With a roundabout and two narrow gateways not used in the original circuit to contend with, Vincent lapped the demanding track in just 4 minutes 09 seconds at an average speed of 116km/h.
The XE 300 SPORT is powered by a 300PS 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine and is capable of 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds (0-60mph in 5.4 seconds). With 400Nm of torque, Vincent was able to make full use of the XE’s exceptional handling capabilities to exploit the smallest of opportunities throughout the twisty, undulating track, which snakes around the extinct volcano that sits in the centre of the original layout.
With its dynamic design and aluminium-intensive body construction, the XE provides the perfect basis for the enhanced performance of the SV Project 8. Taking the already agile and responsive handling of the standard car, the SV Project 8 takes things to the next level with a range of engineering enhancements.
Available exclusively with the 300PS 2.0-litre petrol engine, all 300 SPORT models feature unique Dark Satin Grey details including the door mirror caps, rear spoiler and grille surround, along with 300 SPORT badging on the front grille and boot lid.
Distinctive 19-inch or 20-inch Satin Technical Grey finish wheels are exclusive to the special edition along with 300 SPORT-branded brake callipers. Customers can choose from four exterior colours: Yulong White, Indus Silver, Santorini Black and Caldera Red.
Jaguar worked closely with the track owners and local authorities to re-establish the original Circuit de Charade layout for the 300 SPORT’s flying lap by reopening sections linking today’s track with the public roads that make up the daunting original.
