The reborn British engineering firm TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) announced more details about the first model of its new era, following last month’s teaser. It turns out that the “bespoke high-performance automobile” will be based on the Jaguar XJS. This sounds a lot like a comprehensive restomod project, which will most likely be available in limited numbers.
In the wake of the new project, renowned designer and collector Magnus Walker joined TWR as a Design Consultant, and will be involved in the development process. For the exterior design, TWR chose Khyzyl Saleem – a.k.a. the Kyza – who is famous for his digital renderings and the extreme bodykits produced by his own company Live To Offend (LTO).
More: You Could Own A Piece Of Jaguar Tuning History With Prototype 1990 XJR-S Monaco
TWR
The Jaguar XJS debuted in 1975 and remained in production until 1996. The foundation work for its design was done by design legend Malcolm Sayer who is also the father of its predecessor – the gorgeous E-Type. TWR had worked on XJS-based racecars in the past, improving its chassis and V12 engine. The firm says that the new version of the sportscar is “reimagined” and “brought into the 21st century” with the help of a “world-class” engineering team alongside the designers Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem.
Khyzyl Saleem said: “It’s the first project I’ve been involved in where I’m not just designing a bodykit, but creating a fully functioning, performance-driven car” hinting at a major redesign. Saleem added that their goal was to give a new life to the “unloved” XJS, describing his take as “something pretty badass”.
Magnus Walker revealed that he wanted to do something very similar with the XJS even before TWR approached him. The collector even talked with Ian Callum about an “outlaw version” of the XJS similar to the XJ6 restomod project by Jaguar Classic for Iron Maiden’s drummer Nicko McBrain. Walker also described the original XJS as being “misunderstood”. He also set the goals for TWR’s version saying that the vehicle “has to be drivable in real-world situations”, and that he is focused on giving it “drivability, usability, and practicality”.
TWR will announce further details on the “reimagined” Jaguar XJS project on its debut which is scheduled for early 2024. Until then, you can check out the official teaser, depicting the muscular rear fenders of the sportscar.
