This is one cat you’ll hear before you see.
Can we get a show of hands of the number of people who looked at Jaguar’s biggest SUV and thought, “What the F-Pace needs is a supercharged V8”? For the 7 of you who answered in the affirmative, Jaguar has delivered a vehicle just for you. The F-Pace SVR is the the performance flagship of the F-Pace range, and packs a (you guessed it) a supercharged V8 mill that is both powerful and sonorous, and likely raucous on fuel.
The F-Pace SVR is actually supposed to make its big unveil at the New York Motor Show, but it seems that Jaguar couldn't wait to show off its new SUV hero, and has publicised some truly salient details about the range-topping model.
So under the bonnet, you can expect to find a familiar 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol mill, lifted from a variety of other Coventry models, putting out a whopping 404kW and 680Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, replete with an electronic limited slip diff out back, as well as torque vectoring to move power fore and aft. There’s also a more rigid chassis, an updated power steering system, as well as stiffer adaptive suspension. Because it’s a performance car.
But being fast in straights and corners is only half the battle won. We all know that it’s worthless to have all that grunt, if the world thinks you might be driving a tree-hugging 4-pot. To that end, Jaguar’s Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) has given the F-Pace SVR a unique set of bumpers front and rear, with gouges and gashes in the name of aerodynamics, as well as a reprofiled rear valance that now houses four enormous tailpipes.
You’ll also find standard-fit 21-inch lightweight alloys, though there are optional 22-inch units for added vim. Oh, and that exhaust? That’s Jag’s ‘Variable Active Exhaust System’ which promises a “charismatic soundtrack” while also saving a useful 6.6kg of weight.
We’re bugging Jaguar-Land Rover Australia to get confirmation regarding (eventual) availability of the Jaguar F-Pace SVR on our shores, so be sure to stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you updates as they come.
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