- The TWR Supercat is a wild take on the classic XJS, limited to 88 units.
- It is fitted with a 660 hp supercharged 5.6-liter V12 and a 6-speed manual.
- Prices start at £225,000 (~$285,000), excluding the Jaguar XJS donor car.
British firm Tom Walkinshaw Racing has joined the ever-growing list of brands restomodding a classic car and bringing it into the modern world. Their latest product is the TWR Supercat and it’s based on a Jaguar XJS.
Following an official preview from April 2024, TWR has now shown the overhauled interior and announced the specifications of the “Super-GT” model. Interestingly, the timing of the TWR Supercat’s launch coincides with Jaguar’s rebranding and transition to an EV-only era, making the V12-powered restomod even more foreign with the brand’s latest image transition to petrolheads.
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From the outside, the Supercat looks like a race version of the XJS. The fender flares increase the width by 182 mm (7.2 inches) to a supercar-like 1,975 mm (77.8 inches). However, this is not a case of a simple bodykit, but a fully redesigned carbon fiber bodywork by Khyzyl Saleem, with more intakes and aggressive aero. Furthermore, the Supercat sits on 18-inch and 19-inch TWR Forged Monobloc wheels and features modern LEDs.
Inside, the 2+2 layout of the original gave way to a 2-seater cabin with a larger luggage compartment, suitable for “long-distance touring”. The electric seats have carbon fiber seatbacks, with leather covering the dashboard, door cards, and steering wheel. Other upgrades include a new digital instrument cluster and modern connectivity features. Finally, most of the switchgear is made of aluminum, matching the climate vents and the bespoke gear knob.
Like any good restomod, TWR has worked extensively on boosting the car’s performance. Powering the Supercat is a heavily modified version of the original 5.3-liter V12. The mill has grown to 5.6 liters, is dry sumped, and includes a new cylinder head, valve train, and billet cams, revving to 7,750 rpm. More importantly, the V12 has been supercharged, churning out an impressive 660 hp (492 kW / 669 PS) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and the help of a limited-slip differential. Extensive work has been done on the reinforced chassis, the bespoke tubular steel subframes, the adjustable suspension, and the uprated carbon ceramic brakes, ensuring that the Supercar can handle the extra power.
Finally, the Supercat benefits from fully programmable traction control, launch control, and five distinct driving modes, completing the modernization of its driving manners. TWR claims that the Supercat combines “exhilarating performance” on the track, and “supreme comfort” on the road.
TWR is currently run by Fergus Walkinshaw, the son of the great Tom Walkinshaw. The company plans to build 88 units of the Supercar, priced from £225,000 (~$285,000), excluding the cost of the Jaguar XJS donor car.
