Likes:
- Design is even more eye-catching than standard model
- Best iteration of the supercharged V8 to date
- Four-wheel-drive enhances rather than inhibits handling
- Impressive on road and spectacular on track
Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe review
Design is even more eye-catching than standard model
July 2016
Gripes:
- Space inside is modest
- View forward is good but visibility over shoulders and behind is less impressive
- Running costs likely to be high
- Lack of any rear seats might put off some buyers
Jaguar is marching into the future with a product range that is constantly evolving and widening. The F-Type has been a big part of its recent successes and now a new range-topping version has been introduced. The F-Type SVR is the first F-Type to benefit from the attentions of the Special Vehicle Operations unit and is the fastest series production Jaguar ever.
The F-Type takes its place in the Jaguar range as a sports car in its purest form amongst a range of coupes, roadsters, saloons and estates all with a sporting feel. It has already been improved since launch with a revised range and the addition of four-wheel-drive and manual transmissions as options, but the SVR is a step further and a new range-topping addition.
Created by the Special Vehicle Operations unit, the SVR has a number of changes over the standard car, and is based on the R AWD model. Available in both Coupe and Roadster forms, the SVR is available solely with the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, although it produces more power here than in the R model, and mated to the eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Outside the F-Type SVR is distinguished from the regular R model by enhanced aerodynamics. At the front there are larger air vents and a bigger diffuser to both channel air more effectively and increase downforce while at the rear there is an eye-catching rear wing which operates automatically as well as via a dedicated switch.
Mechanically the F-Type SVR has additional power and torque as well as recalibrated software for the electric power steering and torque vectoring system. The suspension has been revised including a new rear locating knuckle while the relative stiffness of the front and rear anti-roll bars has been changed to improve corner turn-in.
The F-Type takes its place in the Jaguar range as a sports car in its purest form amongst a range of coupes, roadsters, saloons and estates all with a sporting feel. It has already been improved since launch with a revised range and the addition of four-wheel-drive and manual transmissions as options, but the SVR is a step further and a new range-topping addition.
Created by the Special Vehicle Operations unit, the SVR has a number of changes over the standard car, and is based on the R AWD model. Available in both Coupe and Roadster forms, the SVR is available solely with the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, although it produces more power here than in the R model, and mated to the eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Outside the F-Type SVR is distinguished from the regular R model by enhanced aerodynamics. At the front there are larger air vents and a bigger diffuser to both channel air more effectively and increase downforce while at the rear there is an eye-catching rear wing which operates automatically as well as via a dedicated switch.
Mechanically the F-Type SVR has additional power and torque as well as recalibrated software for the electric power steering and torque vectoring system. The suspension has been revised including a new rear locating knuckle while the relative stiffness of the front and rear anti-roll bars has been changed to improve corner turn-in.