Video: Watch Jaguar's XE SV Project 8 annihilate the four‑door 'Ring record

Indeed, none have taken it anywhere near this seriously until now. Do you see the Alfa Giulia QV sporting buckets, a cage, 600hp and serious aero? The XE is an out and out track weapon born of a mutated muted exec.

Eleven seconds, though? That’s utter madness. Can you imagine a road-homologated supercar coming out tomorrow claiming a ‘Ring lap 11 seconds quicker than the McLaren P1 LM? For reference, the Jag’s 7:21 time is on an even keel with Ferrari’s 488 – a machine boasting over 60 more ponies, with 200 kilograms less to lug and it’s fair to assume, a more cooperative relationship with the air it’s sworn to cut through. Precarious systems of ‘Ring lap standardisation aside, we’re fairly blown away.

Is one-of-300 rarity and 11 seconds at the Nordschleife worth the £90k over and above some slightly less serious rivals? As is the way with these limited edition specials, at this point, we’re not sure it matters. If it's a sign of a hardcore four-door war to come, we're all for it.