Hot Jaguar F-Pace SVR updated 04 | 12 | 2020
JAGUAR’S HOT F-PACE, the SVR, has been given an update by the company’s Special Vehicle Operations division. The tweaks mean the SUV can now catapult itself from standstill to 62mph in just 4.0-seconds. Oh; and its new top speed is an eye-watering 178mph. That’s an improvement of 0.3 seconds and 2mph over its predecessor. Available to order now, prices start at £77,595. (Related: Updated Jaguar F-Pace gets PHEV)
Powered by a revised version of the existing car’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, output remains the same at 542bhp. But the electronic tweaks to the car’s software has released an extra 20Nm of torque for a new 700Nm peak. That power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox lifted from the Project 8 super-saloon.
The changes to the Porsche Macan Turbo rival may be subtle, but they are extensive. The SVR’s styling, aerodynamic efficiency, engine, drivetrain, chassis and in-car tech have all received updates to enhance specific, and overall performance. (Related: Scots design legend Ian Callum retires from Jaguar)
Externally the styling changes include a wider and flatter front splitter, plus a new front bumper which is fitted with larger, more squared-off air intakes than before. The combination, according to Jaguar, contributes to a 35% reduction in aerodynamic lift.
Inside the cabin, there’s the same updates first seen on the recently-revised F-Pace range including a redesigned dashboard and new heating controls. The front sports seats are covered in a mix of leather and Alcantara, both of which are carried over to the rest of the cabin. Trim inserts are aluminium as standard, with carbon-fibre trim optional. Related: Jaguar E-Pace Chequered Flag Edition)
The new SVR also benefits from Jaguar’s latest, bigger and brighter 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system. Fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system also delivers simplified menus.
There are also a number of mechanical and electrical improvements all aimed at adding to the SVR driver’s experience. The addition of retuned adaptive dampers and new suspension bushes aim to deliver a smoother low-speed ride. (Related: Jaguar I-Pace is Scottish Car of the Year)
Jaguar boffins have also increased the difference between the damping and steering response in Comfort and Dynamic modes; that, essentially, means Comfort is more relaxing, while Dynamic is firmer than in the previous set-up.
“The original F-Pace SVR was incredibly characterful, well received by our customers and has gone on to become the highest-selling Jaguar SV product ever, Michael van der Sande, managing director, Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations, said.
“The new version builds on this success, by making numerous detailed improvements that combine to raise the bar in the high-performance SUV segment.
“With a wide range of technological enhancements from our team of expert engineers and a comprehensively improved exterior and interior finish, the new F-Pace SVR is more focused, inspires more confidence and is even more captivating than ever before.”
Related: Taggarts opens new £7m Jaguar showroom
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Jim McGill