While Jaguar is currently busy reinventing itself, there are many who still remember what the car maker is all about user To be – the glory days of the famous E-Type. British coachbuilder Eagle has been crafting updated versions of the E-Type for some time, but the company’s latest creation takes things to a level Jaguar’s engineers could never have dreamed of. Say hello to the Eagle Lightweight GTR.
The Eagle is not new to the E-Type game. In fact, the company has been selling, restoring and retrofitting E-Types for longer than the actual car has been in production. Jaguar built the E-Type from 1961 until 1974, while Eagle worked on the sleek machines for More than 40 years. The brand knows a car inside and out, and this new lightweight GTR could be the tip of the mountain.
The idea started with a customer request. The buyer was looking for a car that would be the antithesis of modern cars, which are climbing ever higher levels of curb weight and increasing complexity. The client asked Eagle for a vehicle that was as light as possible, comfortable, screen-free, and combined stunning performance with timeless beauty.
I would say Eagle agreed to this based on this request. The Lightweight GTR is an updated version of Jaguar’s racing-built E-Type. Jag called that car the Lightweight E-Type, and it was intended solely for motorsport efforts.
The Eagle version is ready for the road, yet it has a curb weight of just 930kg. That’s a mark of over 2,000 pounds. Not only is this lighter than the ND Miata. The Eagle Lightweight GTR weighs about the same as the NA Miata. Fill the lightweight GTR with fluid and you’ll be back at 975kg.
The Eagle makes the car from a combination of materials such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium and carbon. The decals were painted to save weight. In the engine compartment, the 4.7-liter V6 uses titanium connecting rods and breathes through a trio of Weber carburettors. These rods raise the rev limit by 500 rpm, allowing the Eagle to draw more power from the factory.
Eagle revises the suspension, fits Ohlins adjustable dampers, and bolts on AP Racing callipers in the corners. The chassis is set up for long-term comfort while maintaining its wicked ability to slice up twisty tarmac.
The concept of long-distance comfort is also embodied in the cabin. Despite the car’s weight, the seats are still trimmed in Alcantara, there are mother-of-pearl inlays for added emotion, and a small magnetic base for your phone. The glass is heated. You still get air conditioning, and there is still sound and heat insulation. You’ll arrive at your destination happy, rather than drenched in sweat.
So, how much does it cost to put an Eagle Lightweight GTR in your garage? £1 million, or north of US$1.3 million. That’s a lot of scratching, but tell me the exhaust note doesn’t scratch a primal itch deep in your soul.
maybe Jaguar You should listen to the exhaust note too…
