The BMW M4 GTS is constantly compared to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It makes sense, as both cars are road-going track cars that sacrifice comfort and practicality for outright performance. However, the comparison has always been a bit unfair. The 911 GT3 RS is built on, you guess it, a Porsche 911. The base 911 is a very expensive thing and is a wonderful starting point for a performance car. The M4 GTS is based on the 4 Series, which can be a little four-cylinder diesel coupe for average folks. So whereas the 911 GT3 RS is a thoroughbred, built of of impeccable genes, the M4 GTS is a plucky prize fighter from the streets. However, it seems as if the M4 GTS will be getting even more competition but, this time, it will be from something with equally blue-collar genes — the upcoming Jaguar XE Project 8.
The Project 8 will be based on the standard Jaguar XE, which is priced similarly to the 3 Series/4 Series. However, it won’t perform like a standard XE. Similar to the Jaguar F-Type Project 7, the XE Project 8 will be an absolute monster.
Under the hood, the Project 8 will pack a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 that will make 600 hp, making it the most powerful Jaguar ever made. It also makes it a bit over 100 hp more powerful than the BMW M4 GTS. There aren’t any official performance figures as of yet, but we do know that Jaguar is testing its new car on the Nurburgring, so we’re expecting it to be flipping quick. Especially considering that it will have extreme aerodynamics, much like the M4 GTS. In fact, Jaguar claims it “takes aerodynamics and performance engineering to another level”.
From the photos, we can see that it has a pretty extreme front splitter, side skirts and a massive rear wing. While, typically, sedans look kind of stupid with crazy aero, the Project 8 looks damn good. It likely has to do with the fact that the standard XE is a great looking car. Also, the way the splitter and side skirts smoothly jut out makes the car look really low and wide. Looks good. Also, leave it to Jaguar to actually make cool looking camouflage…
Of course, the Jaguar XE Project 8 will be insanely expensive, just like the M4 GTS. It will also be sold in very limited numbers, much like the water-injected Bavarian. Jaguar is claiming that there will only be about 300 made and it will certainly cost north of six-figures, American money. Though, that’s to be expected for such a low-volume track-ready monster.
The BMW M4 GTS is a cool car, as it’s extremely track-focused and very high-tech. So it’s the sort of car enthusiasts can nerd-out over. However, the idea of a sedan as small as the XE with 600 hp and a massive rear wing is incredibly enticing. Plus, just look at it. We want. We want a lot.
The article Jaguar XE Project 8 to take on BMW M4 GTS appeared first on BMW BLOG
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