When Jaguar Land Rover launched its Special Vehicle Operations skunkworks, a more extreme version of the F-Type seemed like an obvious project for it to pursue. The bonkers Project 7 limited-edition and Range Rover Sport SVR have certainly shown the engineers are up to the task.
And now it appears a Jaguar F-Type SVR is really happening. Dutch automotive news site Autovisie claims to have obtained a brochure showing the butch new model. If this hot-rodded F-Type is for real, it can’t arrive soon enough.
Arguably the biggest headline is a boost in power for the 5.0-liter supercharged V8, which carries over from the “standard” F-Type R. In the SVR, it produces 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, up 25 hp and 14 lb-ft. The SVR will also reportedly use the F-Type R’s eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. As a result of the extra grunt, it will do 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200 mph. A titanium exhaust system will provide an appropriately dramatic soundtrack.
Most roads have corners as well as straight lines, of course, but Jaguar has that covered as well. The F-Type SVR will reportedly feature a tuned adaptive suspension system and carbon ceramic brakes. A front splitter and active rear spoiler should provide some useful downforce, in addition to making the car look cooler. Other visual changes include a ventilated hood and a more aggressive front fascia. The SVR will apparently be offered as both a coupe and convertible.
Despite its fanatical focus on performance, expect the SVR to retain most of the luxuries of other F-Type models. Interior changes will reportedly include a sport steering wheel, sportier seats, and some added aluminum trim. There will probably be plenty of SVR badges to remind passengers of the car’s pedigree too.
While Jaguar won’t confirm anything, it seems likely that the F-Type SVR will appear at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, or possibly the 2016 New York Auto Show later in the month. The Autovisie report claims the SVR will go on sale in The Netherlands in May, which would necessitate an unveiling in the next couple of months.
Updated 1/27/16
Jaguar subsequently confirmed the F-Type SVR’s existence. It will debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March.
