The Jaguar F-Type SVR is the second vehicle to come from Jaguar Land Rover’s SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) team – the M-Division equivalent from the British marque. The styling is as gorgeous as ever, but SVO has set about to make it more aerodynamic, more animalistic, and more potent in every aspect. The gloves are off and the claws are out.
Technical Highlights:
Starting with the base of the Coupe and Convertible R models in AWD trim, SVO has reworked the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 in the Jaguar F-Type SVR to deliver 423kW @ 6500rpm and 700Nm from 3500-5000rpm. The supercharged V8 breathes freely through larger air intakes, revised charge air coolers, and a redesigned bonnet venting system to also assist in keeping things cool.
The official word from Jaguar is that the Jaguar F-Type SVR will devour the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds for both Coupe and Convertible models, before topping out at 322km/h and 314km/h respectively.
Performing the dual function of shaving weight and granting aural delight, a lightweight titanium and Inconel exhaust system has been equipped that shaves 16kg off the total weight. The total of the weight savings measures has resulted in a 25Kg saving compared to the standard AWD F-Type R. This can be increased to a 50Kg saving with the optioning of the Carbon Ceramic Matrix brake system and carbon fibre roof, which also lowers the centre of gravity to improve handling.
Power is kept under control thanks to the GKN-Driveline sourced 4WD system from the regular R AWD models, with power being sent to all wheels via the standard ZF 8-speed gearbox. The tyres have been beefed up to cope too – the Jaguar F-Type SVR boasting 265- and 305-section front and rear tyres respectively. The lightweight 20-inch alloys (13.8Kg weight saving) house 380mm front discs, while the rear wheels house slightly smaller 276mm discs.
Aerodynamically, SVO has tweaked the Jaguar F-Type SVR to reduce drag and decrease lift. The front bumper has been extended outwards to screen the front wheels, the front undertray has been designed to reduce drag, and the new louvered bonnet has been sculpted to assist airflow and cooling.
The rear of the Jaguar F-Type SVR receives similar treatment, with the rear undertray reducing lift, and the new rear venturi packaged between the dual exhaust tailpipes. But most noticeable and important to the SVR’s aerodynamic trickery is the adjustable rear wing which reduces drag and lift coefficients in both its raised and lowered position.
Styling and Specification Upgrades:
Styling has hardly been a weak point of the F-Type if we’re being honest – but SVO have enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the Jaguar F-Type SVR just a bit to make it even more mouth-watering.
The visual styling has largely been functional – all elements having aerodynamic benefits – however the Jaguar F-Type SVR does have an optional carbon fibre styling pack comprising a carbon fibre front splitter, bonnet louvers, fender vents, and door mirror caps.
Internally, the design has been customised by SVO for a bit more of an aesthetic function. The Jaguar F-Type SVR gets 14-way adjustable SVR Performance seats finished in Jet Black leather with a ‘Lozenge Quilt’ pattern, contrast stitching, and SVR-embossed headrests. The seats can be had in Siena Tan or Red leather too.
Standard, the SVR features a Jet Black leather steering wheel, but a suedecloth-leather combination wheel can be optioned. Both wheels feature large aluminium shift paddles – larger than the standard F-Type. Suedecloth adorns the centre console and instrument cluster – but customers can also opt for full leather cladding in Siena Tan or Red leather.
A Bit Tame, Perhaps
While the Jaguar F-Type SVR is more visceral than ever before, it seems SVO has played it safe. We can’t help but feel there’s more to be found in the F-Type than what they’ve given us here. The claws are out, but they’re more playful kitten than seething panther.
Come on SVO, where’s that elusive Jaguar supercar you know we’ve been pining for?
Availability in South Africa
The Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe is on sale in South Africa as of October 2016, after making its local debut at the South African Festival of Motoring. The price, you ask? An eye-watering R2 286 300. I think I’ll play Powerball tonight.
