By alley - Sep 19, 2015, 12:56 PM ET

At the Coronado Speed Festival: Jaguar's Project 7 F-Type builds on winning tradition

Jaguar, one of the world's most storied sports car brands, has earned that reputation through sustained performance dating back decades. That fact alone demonstrates that the highly visible relationship between their iconic brand and the SportsCar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) – an organization that celebrates cherished racecars spanning 100 years – is an outstanding fit.

One hot lap around the Coronado Speed Festival's insanely tight, twisted 1.7-mile road course with 1992 Indianapolis 500 pole winner Roberto Guerrero (ABOVE, with the Project 7) is proof positive this is a machine that commands attention. Accelerating from standing still and leaving your stomach behind you are easily convinced its reputation for achieving 60mph inside of four seconds is no brag, just fact.

The advances in technology become readily apparent as Roberto rapidly reels in tricked-out, true racecars of the past and then shoots by them. He may smoke the tires but this street car goes where he points it. Yes, the man's a master but also just as clearly he has the right tools.

LEFT: Mural inside Jaguar hospitality illustrates their sporting DNA: C-Type, E-Type, new F-Type.

Jaguar officials note that the concept car that spawned the masterpiece that is the F Type was a tribute to the Scottish Ecurie Ecosse racing team's Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type in 1956 and '57. Given such legendary success, there certainly was every reason to capture that brand energy.

Jaguar officials say the coolest story behind the car is that it was even built in the first place. The concept car was really just a fanciful drawing by one of the company's most creative designers. It presented classic lines like the D-Type speed haunch in the sleek, aerodynamic look expected today. When Jaguar executive officers spied it on the man's desk it suddenly became a concept project and was showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2013.

The response there was so positive Jaguar leadership decided it should become a project for the company's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) group. They named it Project 7. A special edition of only 250 cars were constructed for the global market with 50 reserved for the United States. All of them have been spoken for.

The important point, though, is that this special F-Type is making contributions to other Jaguar models like their XE and XF offerings. The technology of the special edition is applied to suspension, engine and complete power train to produce not only a superior product but also an economy of scale in manufacturing that makes business sense. The halo impact on the brand is undeniable as well – especially when you witness the looks on the faces of the car enthusiast crowd so evident on SVRA weekends.

"This is a driver's car," Guerrero emphasizes. "It's strictly rear-wheel drive, while others are all wheel drive. Those are much easier to drive. This one demands your attention and is the kind of challenge that makes it fun especially on the right road."

Jaguar's presence in the SVRA paddock is more than showcasing the amazing performance of a limited edition thoroughbred. It's about engagement and making a clear, high quality brand statement.

The 2015 agreement with SVRA called for seven arrive-and-drive events that allow anyone with a driver's license the chance to slip behind the wheel and feel the quality of the vehicle – on a safe and sane autocross course. The company also offers up a welcoming oasis in the form of a hospitality pavilion providing the quality of refreshments and comfort you would expect from the Jaguar brand.