Prior to its public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks, the Jaguar F-Type SVR has been unveiled as the range-topping variant in the sports car range.
Available in both coupe and convertible guises, the F-Type SVR receives power from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine just like the F-Type V8 S and R variations. However, the powertrain has been fettled to now pump out 575 PS (567 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, thanks to changes to the engine’s calibration.
Additionally, the SVR is slightly lighter than other models thanks to its use of a lightweight exhaust system that combines titanium and Inconel, the same material used in Formula 1 exhausts. All told, the new exhaust saves 16 kg of weight. Due to the use of a number of other lightweight materials, the F-Type SVR is a 25 kg lighter than an equivalent all-wheel drive F-Type R and when optioned with carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fiber roof, is 50 kg lighter.
As always, power is funnelled through an eight-speed Quickshift transmission but in SVR spec, it has been slightly modified to offer even faster shifts. When combined with all-wheel drive and massive 20-inch 265/30 tires at the front and 305/30 at the rear, it can accelerate to 96 km/h (60 mph) in a mere 3.5 seconds and onto a 320 km/h (200 mph) top speed for the coupe and 313 km/h (195 mph) for the convertible.
As standard, the vehicle comes equipped with large 380 mm front and 376 mm rear discs but the aforementioned carbon ceramic discs are 398 mm and 380 mm at the rear and come complete with six- and four-piston calipers at the front and rear respectively.
Modifications have also been made to the all-wheel drive system, in particular the electronic rear active differential. It has been refined to now provide the best torque distribution between the front and rear axles and works in conjunction with the Dynamic Stability Control system to provide the best performance in all conditions.
Beyond the mechanical modifications under the skin, Jaguar’s engineers also focused extensively on the vehicle’s looks and aerodynamics. For starters, the front bumper has been redesigned and now includes larger air intakes and helps to reduce drag, thanks largely to the new splitter and front undertray.
Elsewhere, the car includes new trays below the rear suspension components to accelerate and smooth airflow therefore reducing pressure and minimising lift, while also working in collaboration with the downforce-generating rear diffuser. A new rear wing has also been developed which deploys at 96 km/h (60 mph) for the convertible and 112 km/h (70 mph) for the coupe.
In the cabin, the F-Type SVR includes all the luxuries and creature comforts of other models. For example, it has 14-way adjustable sports seats, a suedecloth-wrapped steering wheel, the InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus infotainment systems and can be optioned with either a 380-watt or 770-watt Meridian surround sound system.
In the U.S., prices start at $126,945 for the coupe and $129,795 for the convertible.