Jaguar gives the lowdown on the F-Type SVR
In January, Jaguar took the lid off its F-type SVR – the latest of the F-Type variants. Billed as the fastest series production vehicle produced by Jaguar Cars, the all-weather supercar is the first Jaguar to wear the SVR badge and is designed to be as usable on the morning commute as on the track. Now, the company has rolled out more details about it in anticipation of its public début at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1.
- Developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the all-aluminum F-Type SVR is claimed the lightest and fastest of the F-Types. Jaguar says that 55 lb (25 kg) have been shaved off compared to the 2017 F-Type R and the optional CCM brake system, carbon fiber roof panel, and carbon fiber pack can bring this up to 110 lb (50 kg).
The SVR is intended for day-to-day use was well as for ripping around the track, and this is reflected in the styling. Available in a coupe or convertible, The SVR shows a compact, balanced profile that is definitely an F-Type from the grille to the rear spoiler, though with more of an emphasis on aerodynamics than lap-burning aggression.
Under the aluminum monocoque shell is an upgraded chassis with new dampers and anti-roll bars. The air intake in the front bumper have been enlarged to feed the improved air coolers along with the hood vents for better powertrain performance. This is part and parcel with the enhanced aerodynamics package that includes the redesigned, lowered front bumper and splitter, a flat underfloor, an active carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and a split exhaust.
The aerodynamics of the SVR are meant to balance the requirements for reducing both drag and lift while improving stability. According to Jaguar, the idea is to keep the airflow away from the wheels and get it to flow around the car's sides and over the bonnet, where the louvered vents help to draw heat away from the engine. Meanwhile, wheel-arch apertures balance air pressure through the fenders to improve airflow and reduce front-end lift.
However, the aerodynamic party piece is the SVR's deployable rear spoiler, which automatically springs into action when the convertible or coupe reach 60 and 70 mph (96 and 113 km/h) respectively, or when the driver selects Dynamic mode. Once in position, the spoiler reduces the drag coefficient by 2.5 percent and the lift coefficient by 15 percent compared to the F-Type R, and when lowered the improvements are 7.5 percent and 45 percent.
Under the bonnet is the latest version of the Jaguar Land Rover five-liter supercharged V8 engine punching 575 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This feeds into a split Inconel titanium exhaust system designed to give a "purposeful, harder-edged sound" along with a 35-lb (16-kg) weight reduction as well as better heat resistance and reduced back pressure.
Behind the engine is a recalibrated eight-speed ZF Quickshift flappy paddle gearbox for reduced shift times and better torque availability on launch. Put this altogether and the SVR can do 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph (323 km/h) for the coupe.
Jaguar says that the SVR's aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspension has a redesigned rear knuckle with a weight-optimized aluminum die casting for a 37 percent increase in camber stiffness, and a 41 percent increase in toe stiffness for better control of the tire contact patch and steering wheel feel. In addition, the rear anti-roll bar has been thickened and the front anti-roll bar diameter has been slightly reduced, while the damper control software has been tweaked for more precise inner wheel braking to cut down on understeer.
The 20x9J and 20x11J forged aluminum wheels provide a weight reduction of 30.4 lb (13.8 kg) and are fitted with bespoke Pirelli P Zero 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 tires that are designed for a high degree of grip compared to narrower tires without compromising ride quality.
Another weight-saver is the optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brake system, which Jaguar says has exceptional fade resistance while saving another 46 lb (21kg), In addition, there's a brake prefill system for more consistent pedal feel.
The SVR has a standard Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system, Electric Power-Assisted Steering, Adaptive Dynamics, Torque Vectoring, and Dynamic Stability Control and All-Wheel Drive systems, as well as an improved rear Electronic Active Differential (EAD) for optimum torque distribution between the front and rear axles and across the rear axle.
For the interior, Jaguar provided a snug driver's cockpit with a nicely laid out dashboard and controls. The suede-cloth covered instrument binnacle and center console goes with the SVR Jet leather and optional Jet leather and suede-cloth steering wheel and echoes the F-type concept CX-16. In addition, the SVR sports 14-way SVR performance seats finished in Jet leather with a Lozenge Quilt pattern with contrast stitching and micro-piping and headrests embossed with the SVR logo.
In regards to infotainment, the SVR has a 770W Meridian surround sound audio system, touchscreen navigation, and a standard SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio. It also goes beyond the Jaguar InControl Apps smartphone connectivity and Jaguar InControl Protect emergency and breakdown call system, to include the Jaguar InControl Remote. This interfaces with an iOS smartphone app and a companion app developed for the Apple Watch, which allows the driver to check car information, locate the car on a digital map, and even start the car and set climate controls
The Jaguar F-Type SVR starts deliveries later this year with the coupe starting at U$125,950 and the convertible at $128,800.
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