200-mph F-Type SVR is the fastest production Jaguar ever
Jaguar cranks the performance of its curvaceous F-Type Coupe and Convertible with the announcement of new SVR trims for both models.
- North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Following in the footsteps of the Range Rover Sport SVR, the curvaceous F-Type Coupe and F-Type Convertible become the first Jaguar models to wear the SVR badge and, in the process, the fastest production cars that Jag has ever built.
The Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) performance division starts by turning up the wick on the F-Type's supercharged 5.0-liter V-8. With techniques adopted from the F-Type Project 7, the SVR now makes 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque -- up from the R's 550 ponies and 502 pound-feet.
The SVR models come standard with Jaguar's all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed ZF Quickshift automatic transmission. The lack of a manual transmission option for this sharpest performing trim level is just a bit disappointing. On the positive side, the gearbox and all-wheel drive systems have been recalibrated for faster shifts and better torque availability when launching.
It's not just more powerful; the SVR models are also 55 pounds lighter than their respective F-Type R AWD analogs -- 35 of those pounds were saved by replacing the standard steel exhaust with a lighter, more aggressive titanium exhaust system. Opt for the upgraded carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fiber roof panel and carbon fiber exterior trim pack and the overall weight saving grows to 110 pounds.
A host of aerodynamic upgrades, including a flat underfloor, front splitter and rear venturi, help to reduce lift and drag, as well as improve breathing and cooling. Jaguar claims that the largest aerodynamic increases come from the new, deployable carbon fiber spoiler, which raises at 70 mph for the Coupe (and 60 mph for the convertible) while in the "normal" driving mode and at all speeds when in the 'dynamic' driving mode.
The electric power steering rack, adaptive dynamics suspension, torque vectoring program, dynamic stability control system have all been tweaked for more sporting performance. And, of course, there are the requisite suspension upgrades -- including new dampers, anti-roll bars and stiffer rear knuckles -- and wider tires stretched onto lightweight 20-inch forged wheels.
With more fire in its belly, the 2017 F-Type SVR Coupe hits 0-60 mph from a static start in just 3.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 200 mph; that's faster even than the Project 7's claimed 186 mph ceiling. This makes the F-Type SVR Coupe the fastest series production vehicle to be produced by Jaguar Cars. The F-Type SVR Convertible isn't too far behind with its 195 mph top speed.
The 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR models will make their global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, but the automaker is taking preorders for the F-Type SVR starting today with an expected Summer 2016 delivery window. Pricing for the fastest Jag that money can buy starts at $125,950 for the SVR Coupe and $128,800 for the SVR Convertible.