In three short years, the Jaguar F-Type has gone from an inspired brand addition to a full-blown line comprising 16 different models. The latest additions, the F-Type SVR Coupe and Convertible, are the most focused yet. These two pick up where the F-Type R leaves off, with measures designed to slash weight, increase speed and sharpen steering response, all while leaving ride comfort unaffected.
You guessed it: The Jaguar F-Type SVR is yet another in the growing contingent of “everyday supercars.”
When the original F-Type debuted, it was considered a solid sports car, but not a match for the class-leading Porsche 911. Still, the Jag was good enough and interesting enough to be a credible alternative for those who prefer the road less travelled.
With the F-Type SVR, the British brand has gone one big step further, creating a high-performance variant that, dollar for dollar and apples to apples, is superior to the equivalent 911, the Carrera 4 GTS. In fact, in terms of outright pace, the F-Type SVR is closer to the Porsche 911 Turbo, which is some $40,000 more expensive.
Here’s how engineers at Jaguar’s in-house tuning division, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), managed this feat.
First, they extracted more performance from the supercharged 5.0-litre V-8 engine; compared with the F-Type R, the SVR produces 25 more horsepower and 14 additional lb.-ft. of torque. The raving mad scientists in Coventry also calibrated the eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver quicker shifts and the torque-vectoring AWD system to carve corners more effectively.
They removed 25 kilograms from the weight of the car. Then, these chess-club-sized brains added to the options list carbon-ceramic brakes and a carbon fibre appearance package that strip another 25 kilograms out of the equation. One of those lightweight pieces, an active rear wing made of carbon fibre, is part of another engineering effort to give the SVR reduced lift and drag.
The net result: a vehicle that Jaguar claims can hit 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and refers to as “the 200-mph all-weather supercar.”
To verify this claim, we were transported to a driving enthusiast’s dream called Motorland Aragon. This racetrack was chosen because it has a near two-kilometre straightaway, perfect for putting the hammer down and seeing how the numbers add up.
Long story short, the numbers (almost) added up. We ran out of pavement before the F-Type SVR ran out of steam. But we saw 292 km/h (181 mph) on the digital readout before the anchor needed to be tossed overboard. With a little more track knowledge and a touch more bravery, a terminal velocity in excess of 300 km/h would have been within reach.
The circuit also played to the car’s strengths in other ways. The fast, sweeping turns proved the merits of the AWD system, which is engineered to make the SVR feel like a proper, rear-wheel drive performance car. Compared with some other AWD supercars, the Jag has less understeer; compared with some others, it has far less. The steering is precise and the tail end slides away predictably; this makes the car incredibly rewarding to drive on a closed circuit or on a deserted Spanish road.
The Jaguar SVO team has definitely hit the sweet spot with the F-Type SVR. Sure, this supercar doesn’t have what it takes to go head-to-head with the best in the business. But when you factor in pricing, this car is a fierce competitor.
You’ll like this car if ... You want more bang for your supercar buck.
TECH SPECS
Base price: $142,000
Engine: Supercharged 5.0-litre V-8
Transmission/drive: Eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 11.3 (combined driving; NEDC)
Alternatives: Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, Audi R8 Coupe, Mercedes-AMG GT S, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS
RATINGS
Looks: The F-Type has been called every vaguely dirty name in the book; the SVR continues the “sex on wheels” theme with larger front air intakes, wider rear wheels and a lightweight, active rear wing. The proportional perfection of the original design may have given way to outright brashness, but it still works.
Interior: Early critics of the F-Type pointed to the relatively modest interior treatment. The bar has been raised here with the addition of patterned seats (called Lozenge Quilt!), suede inserts and titanium paddle shifters. Still, the Jag concedes some style and tactile quality points to others in its class.
Performance: Who could possibly argue with less weight, more horsepower and more focused handling?
Technology: It covers all the expected supercar bases with a slick infotainment/navigation system featuring 3D maps, a Meridian sound system and the ability to connect with the car remotely via the inControl smartphone app.
Cargo: Surprisingly, the coupe has an eminently workable cargo compartment nestled underneath the glass hatch. There’s easily enough space for a weekend getaway or even a quick trip to the local links.
THE VERDICT
9.0
There’s little not to like about the SVR – it’s a great addition to the F-Type fleet.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.