Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Sets Lap Record at Laguna Seca

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 bests Cadillac CTS-V as fastest production sedan around famed California race track.

Professional driver and Motor Trend contributor, Randy Pobst drove the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 around Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca in 1:37.54, besting the previous production sedan record set by the Cadillac CTS-V. The big Cadillac turned an impressive 1:38.52, but despite it’s 40 horsepower advantage, it wasn’t enough to hold off the Jag.

Of course, that this Jaguar super sedan sit a lap record at Laguna Seca isn’t particularly surprising, after all, it’s also the king of the Nurburgring, as well. However, when it comes to lap times, every second may as well be a year, so this is a big victory for Jaguar.

We should also clarify that we aren’t surprised with this result because we got an up close and exclusive tour of the Project 8 last year, as well as some one-on-one time with a few of the team members responsible for designing it.

ALSO SEE: Jaguar XE SV Project 8 and Our Q&A Interview with Jaguar SVO

The level of engineering behind this 592 horsepower, supercharged V8 track monster masquerading as a family sedan is intense. The bodywork is not only widened but stretched fore and aft. Most every panel is bespoke to the Project 8, with the goal of optimizing the aerodynamics. Even the headlights are pushed forward half an inch to make room for everything in the engine bay. Of course, no one can deny, or ignore the intense aerodynamic package that keeps this family sedan stuck to the ground at 200 MPH. Jaguar claims 269 pounds of downforce at 186 MPH, if you’re brave enough to find out.

Jaguar continues to showcase what the XE platform is capable of, and we love it. If you also love it, you should hurry down to your local Jaguar dealership. The company is only building 300 of these ultra-special edition track wonders, and that’s it. Price from $187,500, all Project 8 models are custom-built to the owner’s specifications.

Join the Jaguar forums today!

Jake Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, and former content editor for Internet Brands Automotive which he joined in 2015. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon.

Instagram